Method for operating a powered articulatable surgical instrument

ABSTRACT

A method for operating a surgical instrument. The method includes linking a second drive member to a first drive member such that the second drive member moves with the first drive member. The method further includes applying first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply actuation motions to a surgical end effector. The method also includes discontinuing application of the first control motions to the first drive member and de-linking the second drive member from the first drive member such that the second drive member is locked in place by a locking system. The method also includes re-applying control motions to the first drive member.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered surgical stapling system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of a shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft assembly and a surgical end effector of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1, with an anvil of the surgical end effector in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the shaft assembly and surgical end effector of FIG. 3 in an unarticulated position;

FIG. 5 is another top view of a portion of the shaft assembly and surgical end effector of FIG. 3 in an articulated position;

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of a handle or housing of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the handle of FIG. 6 with portions of the shaft assembly omitted for clarity;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the handle and shaft assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is another enlarged cross-sectional view of the handle and shaft assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is another side cross-sectional view of the handle and shaft assembly of FIG. 7 in a position that results in the jaws of the surgical end effector being oriented in an open position;

FIG. 11 is another side cross-sectional view of the handle and shaft assembly of FIG. 7 in a position that results in the closure of the end effector jaws;

FIG. 12 is a graphical comparison of closure forces between a surgical instrument embodiment that employs a progressive closure drive system and two previous surgical instruments that employ different closure drive system arrangements;

FIG. 13A is a graphical depiction of a force to fire (FTF) and a force to close (FTC) experienced by a previous surgical instrument embodiment that employs camming surfaces on an anvil thereof as a firing member or knife thereof travels through the anvil from a proximal-most starting position to a distal-most ending position in the anvil (crosshead distance in inches);

FIG. 13B is a graphical depiction of a force to fire (FTF) and a force to close (FTC), anvil height and spring height experienced by a surgical instrument embodiment that employs a progressive closure drive system;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a shaft assembly;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a portion of another powered surgical instrument;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15, with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 17 is another partial perspective view of a portion of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15, with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 18 is another partial perspective view of a portion of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15, with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a motor switch system of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15, with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a proximal nozzle segment or fin segment of a nozzle assembly of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of portions of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15 with a distal nozzle portion omitted for clarity;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of portions of a chassis portion and a proximal nozzle segment of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15 with portions of the nozzle assembly thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 23 is a graphic depiction of positions of switches of the switch system of FIG. 19 relative to a position of a switch traveler thereof in relation to an articulated position of an end effector of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 24 is another graphic depiction of positions of switches of the switch system of FIG. 19 relative to another position of the switch traveler in relation to an articulated position of the end effector of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 25 is another graphic depiction of positions of switches of the switch system of FIG. 19 relative to another position of the switch traveler in relation to an articulated position of the end effector of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 26 is another graphic depiction of positions of switches of the switch system of FIG. 19 relative to another position of the switch traveler in relation to an articulated position of the end effector of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 15;

FIG. 27 depicts shapes of portions of three different switch traveler embodiments that may be employed in the switch system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 28A illustrates one form of control circuit that may be employed to control an articulation motor of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 16;

FIG. 28 A illustrates one form of control circuit that may be employed to control an articulation motor of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 16;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another powered surgical stapling system;

FIG. 30 is an exploded assembly view of a shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of a shaft assembly of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 29 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 32A is a top cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 31 when a closure member thereof is in a retracted position;

FIG. 32B is another top cross-sectional view of the portion of shaft assembly depicted in FIG. 32 A when the closure member thereof is in an advanced closure position;

FIG. 33 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an articulation lock arrangement;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a previous powered surgical stapling system that employs a removable shaft assembly;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a previous removable shaft assembly depicted in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an exploded assembly view of a housing or handle portion of the powered surgical stapling system of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a partial exploded assembly view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is another partial exploded assembly view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a portion of another shaft assembly that may be employed with the handle portion of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a side view of a proximal portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39, with portions thereof omitted for clarity and portions thereof shown in cross-section;

FIG. 41 is an end cross-sectional view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 40 taken along lines 41-41 in FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39 illustrating an attachment between an articulation driver and a clutch link of the shaft assembly;

FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a portion of a spine shaft insert of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 48 is another partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a drive clutch assembly of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39 in an engaged position;

FIG. 50 is an end view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39, with the drive clutch assembly in the engaged position;

FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39 illustrating a position of the drive clutch assembly thereof corresponding to a right articulated position of a surgical end effector attached thereto;

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39 illustrating a position of the drive clutch assembly thereof corresponding to a left articulated position of a surgical end effector attached thereto;

FIG. 53 is another cross-sectional view of a drive clutch assembly of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39 in a disengaged position;

FIG. 54 is an end view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 39, with the drive clutch assembly in the disengaged position;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of an interchangeable shaft assembly embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a partial exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable shaft assembly of FIGS. 55 and 56;

FIG. 58 is a chart that described various operational steps and parameters during operation of the interchangeable shaft assembly of FIGS. 55 and 56;

FIG. 59 is another chart describing additional operational steps and parameters during operation of the interchangeable shaft assembly of FIGS. 55 and 56;

FIG. 60 is a partial perspective view of a shift drum assembly in a position wherein an articulation system thereof is engaged with a firing drive system of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 55 and 56;

FIG. 61 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly in the position depicted in FIG. 60 with a proximal closure tube segment in a partially advanced position;

FIG. 62 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly of FIGS. 60 and 61 in a position wherein the articulation system is engaged with the firing drive system;

FIG. 63 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly in the position depicted in FIG. 62 with the proximal closure tube segment in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 64 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly in the position depicted in FIG. 62 with the proximal closure tube segment in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 65 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly being biased proximally by return springs;

FIG. 66 is another partial perspective view of the shift drum assembly wherein the articulation system is engaged with the firing drive system and the proximal closure tube segment in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 67 is a partial side elevational view of a shaft assembly and handle assembly of a powered surgical instrument illustrating actuation of a nozzle assembly thereof to disengage an articulation system thereof from a firing system thereof;

FIG. 68 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 67 wherein the articulation system is engaged with a firing drive system;

FIG. 69 is another partial perspective view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 68 wherein the articulation system has disengaged the firing drive system;

FIG. 70 is a side elevational view of a portion of another shaft assembly embodiment with a proximal closure tube segment thereof in a fully retracted position and an articulation system thereof n engagement with a firing system thereof;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 70 taken along line 71-71 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a partial side view of a portion of the proximal closure tube segment of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 70 and 71;

FIG. 73 is another side view of a portion of the proximal closure tube segment of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 70 and 71 with a drum shifter pin illustrated in a closure slot in the closure tube segment;

FIG. 74 is a is another side view of a portion of the proximal closure tube segment of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 70-72 with the drum shifter pin illustrated midway in the closure slot in the closure tube segment;

FIG. 75 is a side elevational view of a portion of another shaft assembly embodiment wherein a proximal closure tube segment thereof has been distally advanced to a point wherein tabs thereon are in contact with a shift drum assembly thereof;

FIG. 76 is a partial side view of a portion of the proximal closure tube segment of the shaft assembly of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional end view through a portion of the shaft assembly of FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is another side elevational view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 75 with a shifter key thereof in a “riding mode” position;

FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a portion of another powered surgical instrument;

FIG. 80 is a partial top view of a portion of a flexible circuit assembly of the powered surgical instrument of FIG. 79;

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible circuit assembly of FIG. 80 taken along line 81-81 in FIG. 80;

FIG. 82 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible circuit assembly of FIG. 80 taken along line 82-82 in FIG. 80;

FIG. 83 is a partial exploded assembly view of a portion of the flexible circuit assembly of FIG. 80 and a portion of a spine shaft of the power surgical instrument of FIG. 79;

FIG. 84 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a shaft assembly embodiment with a portion of a nozzle assembly omitted for clarity and with a proximal closure tube segment thereof in a fully retracted position;

FIG. 85 is another partial perspective view of a portion of a shaft assembly embodiment of FIG. 84 with the proximal closure tube segment thereof in a fully advanced position;

FIG. 86 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84 and 85;

FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional end view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84-86 with a lock sleeve thereof in engagement with an intermediate firing member thereof;

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84 and 85, with a proximal articulation driver thereof in an unactuated position;

FIG. 89 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84 and 85, with a proximal articulation driver thereof in a fully actuated position;

FIG. 90 is another cross-sectional end view of a portion of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84-86 with the lock sleeve thereof disengaged from the intermediate firing member thereof; and

FIG. 91 is a partial perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIGS. 84 and 85 with portions thereof omitted for clarity.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed Aug. 20, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,101, entitled METHOD FOR         FABRICATING SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS, now U.S. Pat. No.         11,207,065;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,183, entitled REINFORCED         DEFORMABLE ANVIL TIP FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVIL, now U.S. Pat.         No. 10,912,559;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,150, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLER ANVILS WITH STAPLE DIRECTING PROTRUSIONS AND TISSUE         STABILITY FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,039,834;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,098, entitled         FABRICATING TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS, now U.S.         Pat. No. 11,045,192;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,122, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING DEVICES WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE MEMBERS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2020/0054324;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,140, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLER ANVILS WITH TISSUE STOP FEATURES CONFIGURED TO AVOID         TISSUE PINCH, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,779,821;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,094, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH PROGRESSIVE JAW CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0054321;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,097, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS TO CONVERT         LINEAR DRIVE MOTIONS TO ROTARY DRIVE MOTIONS, now U.S. Pat. No.         11,083,458;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,104, entitled POWERED         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLUTCHING AND LOCKING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR LINKING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM TO A         FIRING DRIVE SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,842,492;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,119, entitled         ARTICULATABLE MOTOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH DEDICATED         ARTICULATION MOTOR ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2020/0054330;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/105,160, entitled SWITCHING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR MOTOR POWERED ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,856,870; and     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/660,252, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLER ANVILS, now U.S. Design Pat. No. D914,878.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications and U.S. Patents that are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168642;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168649;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No.         10,835,247;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168645;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL         ASSEMBLIES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168644;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168651.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168629;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN         CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND         ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168630;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168631;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL         TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168635;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168632;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168633;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW         OPENING DISTANCE, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168636;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF         STAPLING TISSUE, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168637;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING         MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168638;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168639;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168584;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168640;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING         SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168641;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES         THEREIN, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168634;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR         RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168597;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES         OF STAPLES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168599;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168600;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS         DEFINED THEREIN, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168602;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168603;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE         FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT         CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168605;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168606;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A         FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168608;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE, U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018-0168609;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168610;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168620;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168614;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF         DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES         WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168615;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled         BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE-FORMING POCKET PAIRS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168594;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS         WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168626;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING         SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168612;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168625;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168617;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS         AND POCKET SIDEWALLS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168601;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled         NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR         SURGICAL STAPLERS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168627;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN ANGLE, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168616;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled         STAPLE-FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING         SURFACE GROOVES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168598;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168622;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168624;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL         HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH, U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018-0168611;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903, entitled CLOSURE         MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168604;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING         MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS, U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2018-0168607;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168585;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168643;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168586;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY         FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168648;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING         FEATURES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168647;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION         PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING         INSTRUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168650;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR         ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND,         ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168589;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR         USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168590;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE         SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168591;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A         ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168592;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL         SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION         STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168593;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168595;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT         ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168596;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168575;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168618;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168619;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO         DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168621,     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEMS, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168623;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW         ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A         FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED         CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168576;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY         MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS         TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168577;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE         COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW         AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2018-0168578;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR         OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168579;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT         ARRANGEMENT, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168628;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE         LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK, U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2018-0168580;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled         ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN         ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE         SYSTEM, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018-0168581;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY         ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END         EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED         CONFIGURATION, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168582;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE         AMPLIFICATION FEATURES, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2018-0168583;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,996, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSIONS HAVING DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015-0297228;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,006, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING FASTENER CAVITIES INCLUDING FASTENER         CONTROL FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,324;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,991, entitled SURGICAL         FASTENER CARTRIDGES WITH DRIVER STABILIZING ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,241;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,004, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH FIRING ELEMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,369;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,008, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING NON-UNIFORM FASTENERS, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015-0297232;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/318,997, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING DEPLOYABLE TISSUE ENGAGING MEMBERS, U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015-0297229;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,002, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING TISSUE CONTROL FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,877,721;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,013, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLIES AND STAPLE RETAINER COVER ARRANGEMENTS,         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015-0297233; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/319,016, entitled FASTENER         CARTRIDGE INCLUDING A LAYER ATTACHED THERETO, U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015-0297235.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING         SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED         STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER;     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and     -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled         SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR         OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE         DISPLAY FIELD;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT         SYSTEM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE         MEMBER;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END         EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF         TISSUE;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES         HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL         MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR         STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END         EFFECTOR;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY         CONSTRAINT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE         RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATED SHAFT ASSEMBLY;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK         ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN         ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM         ARRANGEMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patent Applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS         FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL         END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE         FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM         STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION         SUPPORT;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL         ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256184;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE         LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/02561185;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE         TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR         MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0256154;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID         MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE         TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256071;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING         SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0256153;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME         DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY,         CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256187;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled         INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL         TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH         SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256155;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART         SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0256163;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR         DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0256160;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND         POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER         OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE         BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL         CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE         BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249910;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING         SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A         BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249918;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR         MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED         BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249908;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER         ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249909;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0249945;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR         STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0249927; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL         APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND         MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING         ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE         SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2016/0174976;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A         DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0174975;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING         BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2016/0174973;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR         SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2014/0246471;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY         POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL         SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled         ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE         PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK         SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.         9,326,767;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR         STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL         METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT         PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0246475;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM,         now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL         ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled         INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0263564;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION         LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR         ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0263538;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled         MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled         ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL         INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE         TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now         U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND         SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL         SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2014/0263539.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled         STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272581;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled         VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE         UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2015/0272574;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR         POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK         ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE         SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272557;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS         AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER         MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE         PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2015/0280424;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application         Publication No. 2015/0272583; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY         AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT         WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING         DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE         SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR         INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2016/0066909;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY         OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART         CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE         MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL         DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR         DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE         OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0305989;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE         OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent         Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED         LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication         No. 2014/0309666;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled         TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S.         Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR         ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS,         now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0309665;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE         SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now         U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR         MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.         2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

-   -   U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,365,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR;     -   U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,376,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;     -   U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,382,         entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;     -   U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,385,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION         MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and     -   U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,372,         entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED         BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

FIG. 1 depicts a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 10 that may or may not be reused. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument 10 includes a housing 100 that comprises a handle 110 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. In the illustrated example, a dedicated shaft assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handle 110. In alternative embodiments, however, the handle assembly is configured to be employed with a variety of different interchangeable shaft assemblies that each have a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. For example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components and methods disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, filed May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, that is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As the present Detailed Description proceeds, it will be understood that the various aspects of the shaft assembly 1000 may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports or is otherwise associated with at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. In addition, various components may be “housed” or contained in the housing or various components may be “associated with” a housing. In such instances, the components may not be contained with the housing or supported directly by the housing.

The illustrated embodiment is an endoscopic instrument and, in general, the embodiments of the instrument 10 described herein are endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instruments. It should be noted, however, that according to various embodiments, the instrument may be a non-endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument, for example. Various surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083, entitled MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Turning to FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, the shaft assembly 1000 includes an end effector 1500 that is configured to cut and staple tissue. The end effector 1500 comprises a first jaw 1510 and a second jaw 1600 that is movably supported on the first jaw 1510. The first jaw comprises an elongated channel 1520 that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 1540 therein. The second jaw 1600 comprises an anvil 1610 that includes an elongated anvil body 1612 and an anvil mounting portion 1620. Alternative arrangements are contemplated, however, wherein the first jaw comprises an anvil and the second jaw comprises a surgical staple cartridge or a channel configured to support a surgical staple cartridge. In the illustrated example, the elongated anvil body 1612 includes a staple forming undersurface 1614 thereon that is adapted for confronting relationship with respect to the surgical staple cartridge 1540. The anvil 1610 is pivotally supported on or movably supported on the elongated channel 1520 by a pair of anvil trunnions 1622 that are formed on the anvil mounting portion 1620. Each trunnion 1622 is pivotally received in a corresponding trunnion cradle 1524 formed in a proximal end portion of the elongated channel 1520. The trunnions 1622 are pivotally retained within their respective cradles 1524 by an anvil retainer 1530.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the shaft assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1200 that includes a spine shaft 1210 that is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member assembly 1900 therein and, two, slidably support a closure member assembly 2000 which extends around the spine assembly 1200. The spine assembly 1200 further includes upper and lower spine stays 1220 and 1230 that are supported by the spine shaft 1210. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a distal end 1212 of spine shaft 1210 terminates in an upper lug mount feature 1240 and in a lower lug mount feature 1250. The upper lug mount feature 1240 is formed with a lug slot 1242 therein that is adapted to mountingly support the distal end 1222 of the upper spine stay 1220 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 1250 is formed with a lug slot 1252 therein that is adapted to mountingly support the distal end 1232 of the lower spine stay 1230 therein. The distal end 1222 of the upper spine stay 1220 includes a pivot socket 1224 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin 1532 that is formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1530. The distal end 1232 of the lower spine stay 1230 includes lower pivot pin 1234 that adapted to be received within a pivot hole (not shown) formed in the proximal end portion 1522 of the elongated channel 1520. The lower pivot pin 1234 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1224 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 1500 may articulate relative to the shaft 1000. See FIG. 3.

In the illustrated arrangement, the closure member assembly 2000 comprises a proximal closure tube segment or closure member segment 2010. The proximal closure tube segment 2010 is operably coupled to a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 2020 that defines an articulation joint 2105 about which the end effector 1500 may articulate relative to the remaining portion of the shaft assembly 1000. Other shaft assemblies, however, may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in FIG. 2, in one form, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 2020 comprises an intermediate closure tube segment 2030 that is attached to a distal end 2012 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010. In addition, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 2020 includes an end effector closure tube or distal closure tube 2040 that has upper and lower distally projecting tangs 2042, 2044. An upper double pivot link 2060 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang 2042 and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper distally projecting tang 2032 on the intermediate closure tube segment 2030. A lower double pivot link 2070 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang 2044 and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang 2034. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

As will be discussed in further detail below, the anvil 1610 is moved from an open position to a closed position by translating the closure member assembly 2000 in the distally (direction “DD”). The anvil 1610 is opened by proximally translating the closure member assembly 2000 which causes the end effector closure sleeve 2020 to interact with the anvil 1610 and pivot it to an open position. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in at least one arrangement, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube 2040 employs two axially offset, proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 2050 and 2052. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the proximal positive jaw opening feature 2050 is located on the right side (as viewed by a user of the tool assembly) of the shaft axis SA. The positive jaw opening features 2050, 2052 are configured to interact with corresponding relieved areas (not shown) and stepped portions (not shown) that are formed on the anvil mounting portion 1620 as described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, the entire disclosure which has been herein incorporated by reference as well as in other references incorporated herein. Other jaw opening arrangements may also be employed.

In the illustrated example as well as other anvil configurations disclosed in references incorporated herein, the anvil mounting portion 1620 has a cam surface or cam surfaces 1624 formed thereon. As the end effector closure tube 2040 is moved distally, a cam surface formed on a distal end of the end effector closure tube 2040 interacts with the cam surfaces 1624 on the anvil mounting portion 1620 to cam the anvil 1610 into a closed position.

As was also indicated above, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the spine shaft 1210. The firing member assembly 1900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1930. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 may include a longitudinal slot 1912 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab 1932 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1930. The longitudinal slot 1932 and the proximal end tab 1932 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1940. The slip joint 1940 can permit the knife bar 1930 to move axially relative to the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 to accommodate articulation of the end effector 1500, for example. The knife bar 1930 includes a knife portion 1950 that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge 1952 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 1954 and lower channel engagement tabs 1956. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references that are incorporated herein by reference.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA by an articulation drive system 2100. In one form, the articulation drive system 2100 includes proximal articulation driver 2110 that is operably coupled to an intermediate articulation driver 2120 that is pivotally coupled to a distal articulation link 2130. As can be most particularly seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, an offset attachment lug 2122 is formed on a distal end of the intermediate articulation driver 2120. A pivot hole 2123 is formed in the offset attachment lug 2122 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 2134 formed on the proximal end 2132 of the distal articulation link 2130. A distal end 2136 of the articulation link 2120 includes a pivot hole 2138 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel pin 1526 that is formed on the proximal end portion 1522 of the elongated channel 1520. Thus, axial movement of intermediate articulation driver 2120 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongated channel 1520 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 1200.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the handle 110 comprises handle housing segments 116, 118 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 119 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 110 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to the shaft assembly 1200. Referring now to FIG. 2, the handle 110 may further include a frame assembly or chassis 200 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame assembly 200 can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 300, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the end effector 1500 of the shaft assembly 1000. In the illustrated example, the frame assembly 200 includes a right frame portion 210 and a frame cap 212 that is attached thereto by snap features, lugs, screws, etc. to define a shuttle cavity 214 therein. See FIGS. 6 and 7.

In at least one form, the closure drive system 300 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 332 that is pivotally supported by the frame assembly 200. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the closure trigger 332 is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly 200 by a pin 333. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger 332 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 119 of the handle 100, the closure trigger 332 may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 332 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement. In various forms, the closure drive system 300 further includes a closure linkage assembly 340 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 1032. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the closure linkage assembly 340 may include a first closure link 342 and a second closure link 344 that are each pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 332 by a pin 335.

Still referring to FIG. 6, it can be observed that the first closure link 342 may have a locking wall or end 345 thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 350 that is pivotally coupled to the right frame portion 210. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 350 may comprise a release button assembly 352 that has a distally protruding locking pawl 354 formed thereon. The release button assembly 352 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 332 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 119 of the handle 100, the first closure link 342 pivots upward to a point wherein the locking pawl 354 drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall 345 on the first closure link 344 thereby preventing the closure trigger 332 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 350 serves to lock the closure trigger 332 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 332 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly 352 such that the locking pawl 354 is moved out of engagement with the locking wall 345 on the first closure link 344. When the locking pawl 354 has been moved out of engagement with the first closure link 344, the closure trigger 332 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

In the illustrated example, an arm 355 extends from the closure release button 352. A magnetic element 356, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 355. When the closure release button 352 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 356 can move toward a circuit board 400. The circuit board 400 can include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element 356. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall Effect” sensor (not shown) can be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 400. The Hall Effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall Effect sensor that are caused by the movement of the magnetic element 356. The Hall Effect sensor can be in signal communication with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the closure release button 352 is in its first position, which is associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 332 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 332 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first position and the second position.

In at least one form, the handle 100 and the frame assembly 200 operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system 500 that is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member assembly 1900 in the shaft assembly 1000. The firing drive system 500 may also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system 500 may employ an electric motor 502 that is located in the pistol grip portion 119 of the handle 100. In various forms, the motor 502 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 502 may be powered by a power source 510 that in one form may comprise a removable power pack 512. As can be seen in FIG. 8, for example, the power pack 512 may support a plurality of batteries 514 therein. Batteries 514 may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The power pack 512 is configured for removable operable attachment to the circuit board assembly 400 which is also operably coupled to the motor 502. A number of batteries 514 may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical instrument 10. In addition, the power source 510 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 502 can include a rotatable shaft 506 that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 520 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth on a longitudinally-movable drive member 530. An attachment lug 1916 is formed on a proximal end 1914 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910. The attachment lug 1916 is configured to be received within an attachment cradle 536 that is formed in a distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 530. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the power source 510 can operate the electric motor 502 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 502 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 502 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 530 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 502 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 530 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 100 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 502 by the power source 510. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 100 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 530 and/or the direction in which the drive member 530 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 502 can be controlled by a firing trigger 540 that is pivotally supported on the handle 100. The firing trigger 540 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 540 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring 542 or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 540, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 540 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 332 as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 550 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 332. The safety button 550 may be positioned between the firing trigger 540 and the closure trigger 332 and have a pivot arm protruding therefrom. When the closure trigger 332 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 550 is contained in the handle 100 where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 540 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 540 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 332, the safety button 550 and the firing trigger 540 pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 530 has a rack of teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of the gear reducer assembly 520. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly 560 that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 530 should the motor 502 become disabled. See FIG. 7. The bailout assembly 560 may include a lever or bailout handle assembly 562 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 532 also provided in the drive member 530. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 530 by using the bailout handle assembly 562 to ratchet the drive member 530 in the proximal direction PD. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, filed Oct. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

One method of attaching the shaft assembly 1000 to the handle will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. In the illustrated example, the shaft assembly 1000 includes a nozzle assembly 2200 that includes a proximal nozzle assembly 2210 and a distal nozzle assembly 2250. The proximal nozzle assembly 2210 includes a right proximal nozzle segment 2220 and a left proximal nozzle segment 2230. The proximal nozzle segments 2220, 2230 may be attached together by snap lugs, screws, adhesive, etc. The distal nozzle assembly 2250 includes a right distal nozzle segment 2260 and a left distal nozzle segment 2270. The right distal nozzle segment 2260 and the left distal nozzle segment 2270 are coupled together by snap features, lugs, screws, adhesive, etc. The proximal nozzle assembly 2210 and the distal nozzle assembly 2250 may be attached together by adhesive, friction, etc. The nozzle assembly 2200 is journaled on the housing 100 for selective rotation relative thereto about the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated example, the distal nozzle assembly 2250 is provided with an inwardly extending proximal mounting flange 2252 that interfaces with a frame mounting flange 220 formed on frame portion 210 of the frame assembly 200. The proximal nozzle assembly 2210 is formed with fins 2212 to facilitate rotation of the nozzle assembly 2200 about the shaft axis SA.

In the illustrated arrangement, the shaft assembly 1000, including the end effector 1500 attached thereto, is rotatable about the shaft axis SA by rotating the nozzle assembly 2200 relative to the handle 100. As can be seen in FIG. 8, for example, the distal nozzle assembly 2250 includes a shaft engagement flange 2254 that extends inwardly through nozzle engagement openings 2016 in a proximal end portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010. Such arrangement permits the shaft assembly 1000 to be rotated about the shaft axis SA when the clinician rotates the nozzle assembly 2200. The nozzle engagement openings 2016 are sized to permit axial movement of the proximal closure tube segment 2010 relative to the shaft engagement flange 2254. Still referring to FIG. 8, the distal nozzle assembly 2250 may further include a support sleeve portion 2256 configured to movably support the proximal closure tube segment 2010 therein. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 9, a proximal end 1226 of the upper spine stay 1220 and a proximal end 1236 of the lower spine stay 1230 are each supported in a spine bearing 1260 that is rotatably supported in the frame assembly 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the proximal end portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010 is movably supported in a closure shuttle 360 that is linked to the second closure link 344 of the closure linkage assembly 340 (FIG. 6). The closure shuttle 360 is slidably supported in the shuttle cavity 214 in the fame assembly 200. The proximal end portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010 extends through a U-shaped cradle opening 362 in the closure shuttle 360 to be rotatably supported therein. Such arrangement permits the proximal end portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 360 when the shaft assembly 1000 is rotated relative to the handle 100. In addition, when the clinician depresses the closure trigger 332, the closure shuttle is moved in the distal direction DD within the shuttle cavity 214 and also causes the closure member assembly 2000 in the distal direction to apply closure motions to the end effector 1500.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, a first spring 370 is journaled on the proximal portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010 between the cradle wall 362 of the closure shuttle 360 and a distal end wall 219 formed on the right frame portion 210 (first spring space 221). The axial length of the first spring space is designated X₁. The first spring 370 biases the closure shuttle 360 proximally (arrow PD) into the starting position that corresponds to a fully open position of the anvil. See FIG. 10. In the illustrated example, a proximal flange 2018 is formed on the proximal end portion 2014 of the proximal closure tube segment 2010. The proximal flange 2018 is configured to slidably travel within a closure or second cavity 364 that is formed in the closure shuttle 360 as shown. The axial length of the second cavity or second spring space 363 is designated as X₂. In at least one arrangement, for example, X₁>X₂. A second closure spring or biasing member 380 is located within the second spring space 363 to bias the proximal flange 2018 on the proximal closure tube segment 2010 in the distal direction DD against the cradle wall 362 of the closure shuttle 360.

During the initial clamping of the target tissue between the anvil 1610 and the surgical staple cartridge 1540, the closure drive system 300 must apply a sufficient amount of axial closure force to the anvil 1610 to pivot the anvil 1610 to a closed position and retain it in that position throughout the staple forming process. The term “closure procedure” in at least one application refers to the process of moving the anvil from a fully opened position to a closed position on the target tissue and retaining the anvil in the closed position until the staple forming process has been fully completed and the anvil is ready to be reopened to release the target tissue from the end effector. The amount of closure force required to close the anvil and retain it in a closed position can vary during the stapling process due to “tissue creep”. For example, as the anvil compresses the target tissue, fluid within the clamped target tissue can “creep” or migrate within the tissue and even flow to adjacent unclamped tissue. Further tissue creep may be experienced as the knife portion 1950 is driven through the clamped target tissue. Thus, tissue creep can also affect the amount of firing force required to cut the target tissue and fire the staples within the staple cartridge. As the knife portion 1950 nears the end of its stroke, the amount of required firing force may be reduced because the creeping fluid has completed the migration into the adjacent unclamped tissue.

FIG. 10 illustrates the closure drive system 300 in an unactuated orientation. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the first spring 370 has biased the closure shuttle 360 proximally in the PD direction within the shuttle cavity 214 in the frame assembly 200 to its proximal-most or starting position. As a result of the closure shuttle 360 being attached to the closure trigger 332 by the closure linkage assembly 340, the closure trigger 332 is pivoted into the unactuated starting position. When the closure drive system 300 is in that unactuated position, the anvil 1610 is in a fully open position. In at least one example, the first spring 370 is “weaker” than the second spring 380. Stated another way, the second spring 380 is stiffer than the first spring 370. That is the spring constant K₁ of the first spring 370 is less than the spring constant K₂ of the second spring 380. Thus, K₂>K₁. In some arrangements, for example, K₂ may be up to ten times greater than K₁. In other arrangements K₂/K₁>1. In alternative arrangements, K₂<K₁. The clinician initiates the closure process by depressing the closure trigger 332 towards the pistol grip 119 of the housing 100. This action starts to move the closure shuttle 360 in the distal direction DD which starts to compress the first spring 370. As the closure shuttle 360 starts moving distally, the closure shuttle 360 also starts moving the proximal closure tube segment 2010 distally. As the proximal closure tube segment 2010 moves distally, the entire closure member assembly 2000 (of which the proximal closure tube segment 2010 is a part) moves distally to apply closure motions to the anvil 1610. As the clinician continues to pivot the closure trigger 332 toward the pistol grip 119, the closure shuttle 360 continues to move distally and to compress the first spring 370. As the anvil 1610 starts to close, the amount of closure forces required may begin to increase as the anvil 1610 begins to compress the target tissue. As the target tissue begins to compress, the fluids contained therein may begin to creep within the target tissue which can directly affect the amount of closure forces required to completely close the anvil. As the resistance to closure increases, the closure member assembly 2000 can move in the proximal direction PD against the closure force applied by the second spring 380 to the proximal closure tube segment 2010. FIG. 11 depicts the closure drive system 300 in a fully closed position that corresponds to a fully closed position of the anvil 1610. Thus, the ultimate amount of closure force applied to the anvil 1610 through the closure member assembly 2000 can vary due to the ability of the second spring 380 to compress in response to the closure resistance experienced by the anvil during the closure procedure. Thus, the anvil can “progressively close” as it experiences changes in the amount of resistance created by the target tissue. This may also be referred to herein as generating a “progressive closure force”.

Once the jaws 1510, 1600 are closed onto the target tissue and locked in that position, the clinician may then institute the firing process by depressing the firing trigger 540 which causes the knife bar 1910 to drive the knife portion 1950 through the clamped target tissue. As the knife portion 1950 is driven distally through the end effector 1500, the knife blade 152 cuts through the target tissue. In addition, in at least one arrangement, the knife portion 1950 engages and distally drives a camming assembly, sometimes referred to as a wedge sled 1970 that is slidably supported in the surgical staple cartridge 1540. As the wedge sled 1970 is driven distally through the staple cartridge 1540, the cams formed on the wedge sled 1970 camming engage staple drivers (not shown) that are movably supported within the staple cartridge 1540. Each staple driver may support one or more surgical staples thereon. The staple drivers are commonly supported in axially lines located on each side of an elongated slot that is formed in the staple cartridge. As the wedge sled 1570 contacts the staple drivers, they are driven upward (toward the closed anvil) 1610 thereby driving the staple(s) supported thereon through the target tissue and into forming contact with the staple forming undersurface 1614 of the anvil body 1612. The wedge sled 1570 is position distal to the tissue cutting knife blade, so the staples are deployed through the target tissue before the target tissue is cut.

Further, as the knife portion 1950 is driven through the target tissue, tabs or flanges formed in the knife portion engage the anvil 1610 as well as the elongated channel 1510 and retain the anvil 1610 and channel 1510 closed and spaced at a desired spacing arrangement during the stapling process. While such distal advancement of the knife portion may reduce the amount of closure force required from the closure system, a significant amount of “firing forces” must be generated by the firing system to push the knife portion 1950 through the target tissue and to overcome the resistive forces and friction of the system as the wedge sled actuates the staple drivers. Thus, the firing system must be able to generate sufficient firing forces and the firing system components may be sufficiently robust to effectively accommodate such forces while also being flexible enough to accommodate articulation of the end effector. These design requirements of the closure and firing systems may also be exacerbated by the type and composition of the target tissue. Further, the components of these systems must be sufficiently small enough to be inserted through the small cannulas of trocars.

FIG. 12 is a graphical comparison between a the surgical instrument 10 that employs the progressive closure drive system 300 described above and two previous surgical instruments A and B that employ different closure drive arrangements. Previous surgical instrument A employs a closure drive system that is directly linked to the closure actuator or closure trigger. While previous surgical instrument A does employ a spring for biasing the closure system to an unactuated position, previous surgical instrument A does not employ a second biasing member like surgical instrument 10 described above. In addition, the anvil of surgical instrument A lacks a camming surface or surfaces like anvil 1610 described above. Instead, the anvil of surgical instrument A has a hard edge that is arranged for contact by the closure member or tube. As the closure member contacts that hard edge, the anvil is pivoted closed.

Still referring to FIG. 12, previous surgical instrument B is similar in some aspects to previous surgical instrument A in that surgical instrument B has a first biasing member for biasing the closure system to an unactuated position. However, surgical instrument B does not employ a second biasing member like instrument 10 described above. The anvil of surgical instrument B, however, does employ camming surfaces that are configured to be contacted by the closure member to pivot the anvil to a closed position. FIG. 12 is a plot showing the amount of time to complete the closure procedure vs the amount of closure forces required during the procedure for each of the three surgical instruments: surgical instrument 10, surgical instrument A and surgical instrument B. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the amount of closure forces required throughout the closure procedure for surgical instrument 10 is less than the closure forces required by surgical instruments A and B. While the closure forces needed by surgical instrument B are less than the closure forces required by surgical instrument A, the closure forces required by surgical instrument 10 are considerably less than the closure forces required by both A and B throughout the closure process.

FIGS. 13A and 13B compare the force to fire (FTF), the force to close (FTC) experienced by surgical instrument 10 and surgical instrument B (with the camming surfaces on the anvil) as the firing member or knife travels through the anvil from a proximal-most starting position to a distal-most ending position in the anvil (crosshead distance). FIG. 13A illustrates the FTF, FTC and the anvil height during the firing procedure for the surgical instrument B. FIG. 13B illustrates the FTF, FTC, anvil height and spring height of surgical instrument 10. As can be seen from reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the initial anvil height for surgical instrument B was 0.0510 inches and the initial anvil height for surgical instrument 10 was 0.511 inches. The peak closure force FTC in pounds for surgical instrument B was 51.5 pounds and for surgical instrument 10 was 98.7 pounds. The peak FTF in pounds for surgical instrument B was 48.9 pounds and for surgical instrument 10 was 36.4 pounds. Thus, surgical instrument 10 experienced a 25.6% reduction in the amount of closure forces required by surgical instrument 10. This reduction in the amount of firing force required may allow the firing system components to be fabricated from lighter and or smaller component arrangements.

As indicated above, the surgical instrument 10 includes an articulation drive system 2100 that is configured to selectively articulate the surgical end effector 1500 relative to the shaft assembly 1000 about an articulation axis AA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 14. The articulation drive system 2100 includes an articulation drive assembly 2102 that comprises a proximal articulation driver 2110 that is coupled to an intermediate articulation driver 2120 that is pivotally coupled to a distal articulation link 2130 that is attached to the proximal end of the elongated channel 1520. See FIG. 2. In one example, the distal articulation link 2130 is attached to the intermediate articulation driver 2120 on one side of the shaft axis SA. The distal articulation link 2130 is attached to the elongated channel 1520 on the opposite side of the shaft axis SA so that the distal articulation link 2130 extends transversely across the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated example, the joint between the proximal articulation driver 2110 and the intermediate articulation driver 2120 may also function as an articulation lock assembly 2121 that serves to retain the surgical end effector 1500 in an articulated position after the articulation motion applied to the proximal articulation driver 2110 is discontinued. In the illustrated example, a distal end 2112 of the proximal articulation driver 2110 is threaded. The threaded distal end 2112 of the proximal articulation driver 2110 is in threaded engagement with a threaded socket 2126 in a proximal end 2124 of the intermediate articulation driver 2120. Rotation of the proximal articulation driver 2110 in a first rotary direction will cause the intermediate articulation driver 2120 to axially move in a first or distal direction DD. Movement of the intermediate articulation driver 2120 in the distal direction DD will cause the surgical end effector 1500 to pivot about the articulation axis AA in a first articulation direction AD₁. Rotation of the proximal articulation driver in a second rotary direction will cause the intermediate articulation driver 2120 to move in a second or proximal direction PD. Axial movement of the intermediate articulation driver 2120 in the proximal direction PD will cause the surgical end effector 1500 to pivot about the articulation axis AA in a second articulation direction AD₂.

In the illustrated example, housing 100 or handle 110 defines a longitudinal axis LA. See FIGS. 15 and 16. As indicated above, the shaft assembly 1000 also defines a shaft axis SA. The shaft axis SA and the longitudinal axis LA may be coaxial. The longitudinal the articulation drive system 2100 includes an articulation motor 2140 that is mounted within a distal nozzle assembly 2250 for rotational travel therewith in an orbit about the longitudinal axis LA when the user rotates the nozzle assembly 2250 relative to the housing 100. The distal nozzle assembly 2250 may also be referred to herein as a “shaft rotator assembly” that is configured to rotatably couple the shaft assembly 1000 to the housing 100. In one arrangement, the articulation motor 2140 includes a gear configuration that includes a motor output gear 2142. The motor output gear 2142 rotates about motor axis MA that is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis LA. See FIG. 16. In the illustrated example, the motor output gear 2142 is in meshing engagement with a control switch gear 2152 of a motor switch system 2150. The control switch gear 2152 is in meshing engagement with a proximal articulation drive gear 2118 that is formed on a proximal end 2116 of the proximal articulation driver 2110. Thus, rotation of the motor output gear 2142 in one direction will result in rotation of the proximal articulation driver 2110 in the first direction which will cause the intermediate articulation driver 2120 in the distal direction and cause the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate in the first articulation direction AD₁. Likewise rotation of the articulation motor in an opposite rotary direction will cause the proximal articulation driver 2110 to rotate in a second rotary direction and thereby cause the intermediate articulation driver 2120 to move in the proximal direction PD. Movement of the intermediate articulation driver 2120 in the proximal direction PD will cause the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate in the second articulation direction AD₂. In various embodiments, the articulation motor 2140 and gear configuration may, for example, be less than 12 mm in diameter and less than 1.5 inches long. The articulation motor 2140 may be of brushed design with less than 1.5 watt power output. In at least some embodiments, the power output of the motor 2140 is approximately 0.75-1.0 watts. The gear configuration may be supported by the motor housing or it may be separate from the motor housing. In at least one example, the gear configuration has a 100:1 reduction although gear configurations with higher reduction ratios may be employed. In alternative arrangements, other motor configurations may be employed.

With respect to the articulation lock 2121, the threads on the distal end 2112 of the proximal articulation driver 2110 may, for example, comprise a #2 screw thread with either a fine (e.g., 64 threads/inch) or a coarse (less than 64 threads/inch) provides sufficient mechanical advantage for the articulation motor 2140 to cause articulation of the surgical end effector 1500 while also functioning as a lock to prevent movement of the surgical end effector 1500 after the articulation motor 2140 has been de-energized. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the proximal articulation driver 2110 may be provided with a support shoulder portion 2119 that has a larger diameter than the adjacent portions of the of the proximal articulation driver 2110. The larger shoulder 2119 slidably interfaces with the spine shaft 1210 for additional support when in the locked position.

Still referring to FIGS. 16-19, the motor switch system 2150 includes a switch traveler 2170 that is threaded onto a switch drive screw 2160 that is attached to the control switch gear 2152. Rotation of the motor output gear 2142 will cause the control switch gear 2152 to rotate which ultimately causes the switch drive screw 2160 to rotate. Rotation of the switch driver screw 2160 results in the axial movement of the switch traveler 2170 relative to a switch housing 2162 mounted in the distal nozzle assembly 2250. The switch housing 2162 operably supports a plurality of limit switches that are in communication with the control circuit board 400 that is supported in or associated with the housing 100 as will be further discussed below. See FIG. 16. In the illustrated example, three limit switches are employed: a central limit switch 2172, a proximal limit switch 2174 and a distal limit switch 2176. The switches 2172, 2174, 2176 are wired to a series of circuit traces or conductors 2222, 2224, 2226, 2228 that are mounted within the proximal nozzle assembly 2210. See FIG. 20. Circuit traces 2222, 2224, 2226 and 2228 are wired or electrically coupled to the articulation motor 2140 and switches 2172, 2174, 2176 by wires or flexible circuit conductors (not shown). Turning to FIGS. 21 and 22, a contact block 410 is fixedly mounted to the frame assembly 200 and includes contacts 412, 424, 416 and 418 that correspond respectively to circuit traces 2222, 2224, 2226 and 2228. Contacts 412, 414, 416, 418 are wired to the control circuit board 400. As the proximal nozzle assembly 2210 is rotated relative to the housing 100 about the shaft axis SA, power/control signals may be provided between the control circuit board 400 and the articulation motor 2140 and switches 2172, 2174, 2176 through a slip joint assembly 411 which comprises the circuit traces 2222, 2224, 2226, 2228 and contacts 412, 414, 416, 418 to facilitate rotation of the articulation motor 2140 and the control switch assembly relative to the housing 100 about the shaft axis SA. Articulation control switches 2180 are mounted on each side of housing 100 and are used to control the rotation of the articulation motor 2140. See FIG. 15. Switches 2180 may comprise “rocker-type” switches that, when depressed in one direction (arrow 2182), the articulation motor 2140 rotates the motor output gear 2142 in one rotary direction and when a switch 2180 is depressed in an opposite direction (arrow 2184) the articulation motor rotates the motor output gear 2142 in an opposite rotary direction.

Turning now to FIGS. 19 and 23-26, the positions of switches 2172, 2174, 2176 relative to the path of the switch traveler 2170 serve to define the range of articulation of the surgical end effector 1500. Switch 2172 comprises the central or home switch that corresponds to the unarticulated position of the surgical end effector 1500. When in that position, a central end effector axis EA is generally aligned with the shaft axis SA. When in this position, for example, the end effector 1500 may be inserted through or removed from a trocar cannula. Switch 2174 corresponds to a −60° left articulation boundary and switch 2176 corresponds to a +60° right articulation boundary. The −60° left articulation boundary may also be referred to herein as a “first maximum articulated position” of the surgical end effector 1500 located on a “first side” or left side of the shaft axis SA. The left −60° angle (LA in FIG. 26) may also be referred to as a “first maximum articulation angle” and comprises the angle between the end effector axis EA and the shaft axis SA when the surgical end effector 1500 is in the first maximum articulated position. Similarly, the +60° right articulation boundary may also be referred to herein as a “second maximum articulated position” of the surgical end effector 1500 located on a “second side” or right side of the shaft axis SA. The right +60° angle (RA in FIG. 23) may also be referred to as a “second maximum articulation angle” and comprises the angle between the end effector axis EA and the shaft axis SA when the surgical end effector 1500 is in the second maximum articulated position. Thus, in the illustrated example, the positions of switches 2174 and 2176 establish the maximum articulation positions for each articulation direction (left and right). In alternative arrangements, only two switches (2174, 2176) may be employed. The switches 2172, 2174, 2176 may comprise mechanical switches, Hall Effect switches, etc.

In at least one example, the central home switch 2172 may also be used to slow the articulation motor 2140 down prior to crossing the home or unarticulated position to allow the user to more easily determine when the end effector 1500 is aligned with the shaft assembly 1000 which would facilitate removable through a trocar, for example.

In on example, the geometric shape of the switch traveler in the region that is configured to engage the switches 2172, 2174, 2176 is selected to have a width such that it engages the switches at “X” degrees from home and is able to remain in contact with the switch from =X degrees to −X degrees. In at least one example, X=approximately 10 degrees, but X could be other values as well. FIGS. 23-26 illustrate the relationship between the switch traveler 2170 and switches 2172, 2174, 2176 and the articulated position of the surgical end effector 1500. For example, in FIG. 25, when the switch traveler 2170 is in that position, the surgical end effector 1500 may be in a first articulated position on the first side of the shaft axis SA, wherein the surgical end effector axis EA is positioned at a first articulation angle LA₁ relative to the shaft axis SA. Likewise, when the switch traveler 2170 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 24, for example, the surgical end effector 1500 may be in a second articulated position located on a second side of the shaft axis SA, wherein the surgical end effector axis EA is positioned at a second articulation angle LA₂ relative to the shaft axis SA. In at least one arrangement, LA₁=LA₂=approximately 10°, for example.

FIG. 27 provides alternative geometrical shapes of the switch traveler 2170 when viewed from the free end of the switch traveler 2170 that is configured to interact with switches 2172, 2174, 2176. FIG. 28 is a graphical comparison of motor speeds (for each geometrical shape 2170A, 2170B, 2170C) to articulation angle. Switch traveler 2170A is also depicted in FIGS. 23-26. 2170C has an actuator point 21701C formed thereon for more precise actuation of the switches 2172, 2174, 2176. As can be seen in FIG. 28, the motor speed MS_(2C) only drops off when the actuator point 2171C is in actuation contact with one of the switches 2172, 2174, 2176 which correspond to articulation angles of −60°, 0°, +60°. 2170A has a cross-sectional thickness CT_(A) which results in a first motor speed MS_(1A) for an articulation angle range between −10° to +10°. For articulation angles between −10° to −60° and +10° to +60°, the articulation motor 2140 may operate at a second motor speed MS_(2A) that is greater than MS_(1A). 2170B has a cross-sectional thickness CT_(B) which is greater than the cross-sectional thickness CT_(A) and results in a first motor speed MS_(1B) for an articulation angle range between −20° to +20°. For articulation angles between −20° to −50° and +20° to +50°, the articulation motor 2140 may operate at a second motor speed MS_(2B) that is greater than MS_(1B). For articulation angles between −50 to −60 and +50 to +60 the articulation motor 2140 may operate at a third motor speed MS_(3B). In the illustrated example, MS_(3B)=MS_(1B).

In various arrangements, the control circuit board 400 may include switches 420, 422, 424, 426 that define the articulation limits as well as a latchable or relay switch 428 that controls the center or home position of the end effector. See FIG. 28A. In such arrangement, as the articulation motor 2140 drives the end effector across the straight or home position, the latchable or relay switch 428 could be tripped which would deactivate the articulation motor 2140. Releasing the articulation control switch 2180 could activate a bypass relay which could deactivate the center or home switch 2172 and pressing the control switch 2180 again could allow the articulation to continue through the home position. See FIG. 28A.

FIGS. 29-33 illustrate a surgical instrument 3010 that is similar to surgical instrument 10 except for the differences discussed below. Surgical instrument 3010 comprises a shaft assembly 4000 that is similar to shaft assembly 1000. The elongated shaft assembly 4000 is operably coupled to a housing 3100 that comprises a handle 3110. Housing 3100 may be similar to housing 100 described above, except for the differences discussed below. Portions of an example of elongated shaft assembly 4000 are depicted in FIG. 30. Those elements that are the same or identical to the elements of shaft assembly 1000 have been identified with like element numbers. The surgical instrument 3010 comprises an end effector 1500 (as described above) that is movably coupled to a spine assembly 5200. The spine assembly 5200 is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member assembly 1900 therein and, two, slidably support a closure member assembly 6000 which extends around the spine shaft 5200. The closure member assembly 6000 is similar to closure member assembly 2000 described above, except for the differences discussed below. The closure member assembly 6000 comprises a proximal closure tube or closure member segment 6010 that is similar to proximal closure tube segment 2010. The proximal closure tube segment 6010 interfaces with a closure shuttle that is operably supported in housing 3100 in the manner discussed above or described in various references that have been incorporated herein by reference. The surgical instrument also comprises a firing drive system 500 that is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member assembly 1900 in the shaft assembly 4000. As described above, the firing drive system 500 includes a motor driven longitudinally-movable drive member 530. Actuation of the motor can be controlled by a firing trigger 540 that is pivotally supported on the handle 3110.

As was also discussed above, the shaft assembly 4000 further includes a firing member assembly 1900 that is supported for axial travel within the spine shaft 1210. The firing member assembly 1900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1930. The intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 may include a longitudinal slot 1912 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab 1932 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 1930. The longitudinal slot 1932 and the proximal end tab 1932 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 1940. The slip joint 1940 can permit the knife bar 1930 to move axially relative to the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 to accommodate articulation of the end effector 1500, for example. The knife bar 1910 includes a knife portion 1950.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulatable about a articulation axis AA by an articulation drive system 6100. In at least one example, articulation drive system 6100 is configured to convert a linear stroke of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 to a rotary articulation motion that can be employed to articulate the surgical end effector 1500 relative to the elongated shaft assembly 4000. In one form, the articulation drive system 6100 includes a proximal articulation driver 6110 that is operably coupled to an intermediate articulation driver 6120 that pivotally coupled to a distal articulation link 6130 as will be discussed in further detail below.

Turning now to FIGS. 31, 32A and 32B, in at least one form, the articulation drive system comprises an articulation clutch assembly 6300 that is operably supported in the nozzle assembly 6250 that is rotatably coupled to the housing 3100 as was described above. In the illustrated example, the articulation clutch assembly 6300 comprises a clutch mounting member 6302 that is fixedly attached to the nozzle assembly 6250. Movably supported within the clutch mounting member 6302 is a clutch shifter assembly 6310. In one form, the clutch shifter assembly 6310 includes first and second laterally opposed lock assemblies 6320, 6330 that are movable in directions that are transverse to the shaft axis SA. This transverse locking movement is represented by arrows L in FIGS. 32A and 32B. In the illustrated example, the first lock assembly 6320 includes a first movable lock support 6322 that supports a first clutch lock 6324. The first clutch lock 6324 is configured to lockingly engage a first lock groove 1911 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910. First biasing members or springs 6328 serve to bias the first lock assembly 6320 towards the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 to cause the first clutch lock 6324 to lockingly engage the first lock groove 1911 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 as shown in FIG. 32A.

Similarly, the second lock assembly 6330 includes a second movable lock support 6332 that supported a second clutch lock 6334. The second clutch lock 6334 is configured to lockingly engage a second lock groove 1913 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910. Second biasing members or springs 6338 serve to bias the second lock assembly 6330 towards the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 to cause the second clutch lock 6334 to lockingly engage the second lock groove 1913 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 as shown in FIG. 32A.

In the illustrated example, the articulation clutch assembly 6300 further comprises a clutch driver rack 6340 that is attached thereto so as to axially move with the first and second clutch locks 6324, 6334, while permitting the first and second clutch locks to move transversely relative to the shaft axis between “locked” or “engaged” positions and “unlocked” or “disengaged” positions. See FIG. 31. The clutch driver rack 6340 is in meshing engagement with a clutch gear assembly 6350 that includes a rack gear 6352 that is in meshing engagement with the clutch driver rack 6340 and is attached by a first transfer shaft 6353 to first and second meshing clutch bevel gears 6354, 6356. Still referring to FIG. 31, the second clutch bevel gear 6356 is attached to a second transfer shaft 6358 that has a transfer drive gear 6360 attached thereto. The transfer drive gear 6360 is in meshing engagement with an idler gear 6362 that is in meshing engagement with a proximal articulation drive gear 6118 formed on a proximal end of the proximal articulation driver 6110. Thus, axial movement of the clutch driver rack 6340 will ultimately result in the rotation of the proximal articulation driver 6110 through the gear arrangements described above. Such rotation of the proximal articulation driver 6110 in the first direction will cause the intermediate articulation driver 6120 to move in the proximal direction and cause the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate in a first articulation direction. Likewise, axial movement of the clutch driver rack 6340 in proximal direction PD will cause the proximal articulation driver 6110 to rotate in a second rotary direction and thereby cause the intermediate articulation driver to move in the distal direction DD. Movement of the intermediate articulation driver 6120 in the distal direction DD causes the surgical end effector 1500 to articulate in a second articulation direction.

FIG. 32A illustrates the articulation clutch assembly 6300 in an engaged or locked position with the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 of the firing shaft assembly 1900. When in that position, axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 (caused by actuating the firing trigger 540 as described above), will result in the axial movement of the articulation clutch driver rack 6340 and ultimately result in the articulation of the surgical end effector as described herein. The first biasing members 6328 and the second biasing members 6338 bias the clutch assembly 6300 in this normally engaged position. FIG. 32A illustrates the proximal closure tube segment 6010 in its proximal-most, unactuated position that results in the jaws 1610, 1610 being in the open position. Thus, with the jaws in the open position, actuation of the firing drive system will result in the articulation of the surgical end effector 1500.

After the clinician has articulated the surgical end effector in the desired articulated position, the clinician may then commence the jaw closing process by actuating the closure system by actuating the closure system by depressing the closure trigger 332. As can be seen in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the clutch assembly protrudes through a clutch opening 6011 in the proximal closure tube segment 6010. As was discussed above, depressing the closure trigger 332 causes the proximal closure tube segment 6010 to axially move in the distal direction DD. As the proximal closure tube segment 6010 moves distally, it contacts a first cam surface 6323 on the first movable lock support 6322 and a second cam surface 6333 on the second movable lock support 6332 to move the first and second lock supports 6322, 6332 transversely in opposite directions away from the shaft axis. Such movement of the first and second movable lock supports 6322, 6332 causes the first and second clutch locks 6324, 6334 to disengage the first lock groove 1911 and the second lock groove 1913 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1910 as shown in FIG. 32B. Thus, the articulation clutch assembly 6300 has disengaged the articulation system from the firing drive system and the clinician can now actuate the firing drive system while the surgical end effector remains articulated.

In the illustrated example, the articulation drive system also includes an articulation lock arrangement 6400 for retaining the surgical end effector in an articulated position after the articulation drive system has been deactivated. More particularly and with reference to FIG. 33, the distal end portion 6112 of the proximal articulation driver 6110 includes a threaded portion 6114 formed thereon. In one arrangement the threaded portion 6114 comprises an ACME thread that can be dropped into a threaded passage segment 6122 in intermediate articulation driver 6120. The intermediate articulation driver 6120 is slidably supported in a distal driver cavity 5202 in the spine shaft 5200. As indicated above, the intermediate articulation driver 6120 is pivotally pinned to the distal articulation link 6130. The distal articulation link 6130 extends transversely across the shaft axis SA and is pivotally pinned to a proximal end of an elongated channel 1520. As can be seen in FIG. 33, a shoulder 6119 is formed on the proximal articulation driver 6110 and is rotatably received within a shoulder cavity 5204 in the spine shaft 5200. Rotation of the proximal articulation driver 6110 causes linear or axial motion of the intermediate articulation driver 6120 which causes the distal articulation link 6130 to articulate the elongated channel 1520. The shoulder 6119 serves to support the proximal articulation driver 6110 during operation and resists motion of the proximal articulation driver 6110 when encountering external forces that try to unintentionally de-articulate the end effector. The ACME thread arrangement 6116 establishes friction with the threaded passage segment 6122 in intermediate articulation driver 6120 so as to function as an articulation lock when the application of the rotary articulation motion to the proximal articulation driver 6110 has been discontinued. In at least one arrangement, the ACME thread arrangement 6116 may have a thread angle of less than 17° and be “self-locking”. Other articulation lock arrangements may also be employed.

FIGS. 34-38 depict a previous motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 11010 that may or may not be reused. The instrument 11010 includes a housing 11012 that comprises a handle 11014 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician. The housing 11012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 that has a surgical end effector 11300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures.

The housing 11012 depicted in FIG. 34 is shown in connection with an interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 (FIGS. 35, 37 and 38) that includes an end effector 11300 that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 4000 therein. The housing 11012 may be configured for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies that include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc. In addition, the housing 11012 may also be effectively employed with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies including those assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures. Furthermore, the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue. For instance, a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly.

Various aspects of the shaft assembly 11200 may also be effectively employed in connection with robotically-controlled surgical systems. Thus, the term “housing” may also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system that is configured to generate and apply at least one control motion which could be used to actuate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term “frame” may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument. The term “frame” may also represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument. In addition, various components may be “housed” or contained in the housing or various components may be “associated with” a housing. In such instances, the components may not be contained with the housing or supported directly by the housing.

The illustrated embodiment is an endoscopic instrument and, in general, the embodiments of the surgical instrument 11010 described herein are endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instruments. It should be noted, however, that according to various embodiments, the instrument may be a non-endoscopic surgical cutting and fastening instrument, for example. Various surgical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083, entitled MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 34 illustrates the surgical instrument 11010 with a previous interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 operably coupled thereto. FIG. 35 illustrates the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 detached from the housing 11012 or handle 11014. As can be seen in FIG. 36, the handle 11014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 11016 and 11018 that may be interconnected by screws, snap features, adhesive, etc. In the illustrated arrangement, the handle housing segments 11016, 11018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 11019 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician. As will be discussed in further detail below, the handle 11014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 36, the handle 11014 may further include a frame 11020 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 11020 can operably support a “first” or closure drive system, generally designated as 11030, which may be employed to apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 that is operably attached or coupled thereto. In at least one form, the closure drive system 11030 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 11032 that is pivotally supported by the frame 11020. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 36, the closure trigger 11032 is pivotally coupled to the housing 11014 by a pin 11033. Such arrangement enables the closure trigger 11032 to be manipulated by a clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 11019 of the handle 11014, the closure trigger 11032 may be easily pivoted from a starting or “unactuated” position to an “actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 11032 may be biased into the unactuated position by spring or other biasing arrangement (not shown). In various forms, the closure drive system 11030 further includes a closure linkage assembly 11034 that is pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 11032. As can be seen in FIG. 36, the closure linkage assembly 11034 may include a first closure link 11036 and a second closure link 11038 that are pivotally coupled to the closure trigger 11032 by a pin 11035. The second closure link 11038 may also be referred to herein as an “attachment member” and include a transverse attachment pin 11037.

Still referring to FIG. 36, it can be observed that the first closure link 11036 may have a locking wall or end 11039 thereon that is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly 11060 that is pivotally coupled to the frame 11020. In at least one form, the closure release assembly 11060 may comprise a release button assembly 11062 that has a distally protruding locking pawl 11064 formed thereon. The release button assembly 11062 may be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 11032 from its unactuated position towards the pistol grip portion 11019 of the handle 11014, the first closure link 11036 pivots upward to a point wherein the locking pawl 11064 drops into retaining engagement with the locking wall 11039 on the first closure link 11036 thereby preventing the closure trigger 11032 from returning to the unactuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly 11060 serves to lock the closure trigger 11032 in the fully actuated position. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 11032 to permit it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply pivots the closure release button assembly 11062 such that the locking pawl 11064 is moved out of engagement with the locking wall 11039 on the first closure link 11036. When the locking pawl 11064 has been moved out of engagement with the first closure link 11036, the closure trigger 11032 may pivot back to the unactuated position. Other closure trigger locking and release arrangements may also be employed.

An arm 11061 may extend from the closure release button 11062. A magnetic element 11063, such as a permanent magnet, for example, may be mounted to the arm 11061. When the closure release button 11062 is rotated from its first position to its second position, the magnetic element 11063 can move toward a circuit board 11100. The circuit board 11100 can include at least one sensor that is configured to detect the movement of the magnetic element 11063. In at least one embodiment, for example, a “Hall Effect” sensor (not shown) can be mounted to the bottom surface of the circuit board 11100. The Hall Effect sensor can be configured to detect changes in a magnetic field surrounding the Hall Effect sensor caused by the movement of the magnetic element 11063. The Hall Effect sensor can be in signal communication with a microcontroller, for example, which can determine whether the closure release button 11062 is in its first position, which is associated with the unactuated position of the closure trigger 11032 and the open configuration of the end effector, its second position, which is associated with the actuated position of the closure trigger 11032 and the closed configuration of the end effector, and/or any position between the first position and the second position.

In at least one form, the handle 11014 and the frame 11020 may operably support another drive system referred to herein as a firing drive system 11080 that is configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto. The firing drive system may 11080 also be referred to herein as a “second drive system”. The firing drive system 11080 may employ an electric motor 11082 that is located in the pistol grip portion 1019 of the handle 1014. In various forms, the motor 11082 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 11082 may be powered by a power source 11090 that in one form may comprise a removable power pack 11092. As can be seen in FIG. 36, for example, the power pack 11092 may comprise a proximal housing portion 11094 that is configured for attachment to a distal housing portion 11096. The proximal housing portion 11094 and the distal housing portion 11096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 11098 therein. Batteries 11098 may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (“LI”) or other suitable battery. The distal housing portion 11096 is configured for removable operable attachment to the circuit board assembly 11100 which is also operably coupled to the motor 11082. A number of batteries 11098 may be connected in series may be used as the power source for the surgical instrument 11010. In addition, the power source 11090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

As outlined above with respect to other various forms, the electric motor 11082 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 11084 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 1122 on a longitudinally-movable drive member 11120. In use, a voltage polarity provided by the power source 11090 can operate the electric motor 11082 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 11082 in a counter-clockwise direction. When the electric motor 11082 is rotated in one direction, the drive member 11120 will be axially driven in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor 11082 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the drive member 11120 will be axially driven in a proximal direction “PD”. The handle 11014 can include a switch which can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 11082 by the power source 11090. As with the other forms described herein, the handle 11014 can also include a sensor that is configured to detect the position of the drive member 11120 and/or the direction in which the drive member 11120 is being moved.

Actuation of the motor 11082 can be controlled by a firing trigger 11130 that is pivotally supported on the handle 11014. The firing trigger 11130 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 11130 may be biased into the unactuated position by a spring 11132 or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 11130, it may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring 11132 or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 11130 can be positioned “outboard” of the closure trigger 11032 as was discussed above. In at least one form, a firing trigger safety button 11134 may be pivotally mounted to the closure trigger 11032 by pin 11035. The safety button 11134 may be positioned between the firing trigger 11130 and the closure trigger 11032 and have a pivot arm 1136 protruding therefrom. When the closure trigger 11032 is in the unactuated position, the safety button 11134 is contained in the handle 11014 where the clinician cannot readily access it and move it between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 11130 and a firing position wherein the firing trigger 11130 may be fired. As the clinician depresses the closure trigger 11032, the safety button 1134 and the firing trigger 11130 pivot down wherein they can then be manipulated by the clinician.

As indicated above, in at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 11120 has a rack of teeth 11122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 11086 of the gear reducer assembly 11084. At least one form also includes a manually-actuatable “bailout” assembly 11140 that is configured to enable the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 11120 should the motor 11082 become disabled. The bailout assembly 11140 may include a lever or bailout handle assembly 11142 that is configured to be manually pivoted into ratcheting engagement with teeth 11124 also provided in the drive member 11120. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 11120 by using the bailout handle assembly 11142 to ratchet the drive member 11120 in the proximal direction “PD”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, discloses bailout arrangements and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with the various instruments disclosed herein. U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Turning now to FIGS. 35 and 38, the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 includes a surgical end effector 11300 that comprises an elongated channel 11310 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 4000 therein. The end effector 1300 may further include an anvil 2000 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 11310. The interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 may further include an articulation joint 13020 and an articulation lock 12140 which can be configured to releasably hold the end effector 11300 in a desired position relative to a shaft axis SA. Examples of various features of at least one form of the end effector 11300, the articulation joint 13020 and articulation locks may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As can be seen in FIG. 38, the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 can further include a proximal housing or nozzle 11201 comprised of nozzle portions 11202 and 11203.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 can further include a closure system or closure member assembly 13000 which can be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 12000 of the end effector 11300. The shaft assembly 11200 can include a spine 11210 that is configured to, one, slidably support a firing member therein and, two, slidably support the closure member assembly 13000 which extends around the spine 11210. As can be seen in FIG. 38, a distal end 11211 of spine 11210 terminates in an upper lug mount feature 11270 and in a lower lug mount feature 11280. The upper lug mount feature 11270 is formed with a lug slot 11272 therein that is adapted to mountingly support an upper mounting link 11274 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mount feature 11280 is formed with a lug slot 11282 therein that is adapted to mountingly support a lower mounting link 11284 therein. The upper mounting link 11274 includes a pivot socket 11276 therein that is adapted to rotatably receive therein a pivot pin 11292 that is formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 11290 that is attached to a proximal end portion 11312 of the elongated channel 11310. The lower mounting link 11284 includes lower pivot pin 11286 that adapted to be received within a pivot hole 11314 formed in the proximal end portion 11312 of the elongated channel 11310. See FIG. 38. The lower pivot pin 11286 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 11276 to define an articulation axis AA about which the surgical end effector 11300 may articulate relative to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. 35.

In the illustrated example, the surgical end effector 11300 is selectively articulatable about the articulation axis AA by an articulation system 12100. In one form, the articulation system 12100 includes proximal articulation driver 12102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link 12120. As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 38, an offset attachment lug 12114 is formed on a distal end of the proximal articulation driver 12102. A pivot hole 12116 is formed in the offset attachment lug 12114 and is configured to pivotally receive therein a proximal link pin 12124 formed on the proximal end 12122 of the articulation link 12120. A distal end 12126 of the articulation link 12120 includes a pivot hole 12128 that is configured to pivotally receive therein a channel pin 11316 formed on the proximal end portion 11312 of the elongated channel 11310. Thus, axial movement of proximal articulation driver 12102 will thereby apply articulation motions to the elongated channel 11310 to thereby cause the surgical end effector 11300 to articulate about the articulation axis AA relative to the spine assembly 11210. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the articulation system 12100 may be found in various references incorporated by reference herein including U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 12102 can be held in position by an articulation lock 12140 when the proximal articulation driver 12102 is not being moved in the proximal or distal directions. Additional details regarding an example of an articulation lock 12140 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631 as well as in other references incorporated by reference herein.

In various circumstances, the spine 11210 can comprise a proximal end 11211 which is rotatably supported in a chassis 1240. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 11211 of the spine 11210 has a thread 11214 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing 11216 configured to be supported within the chassis 11240. See FIG. 4. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 11210 to the chassis 11240 such that the spine 11210 may be selectively rotated about a shaft axis SA relative to the chassis 11240.

Referring primarily to FIG. 37, the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 includes a closure shuttle 11250 that is slidably supported within the chassis 11240 such that it may be axially moved relative thereto. The closure shuttle 11250 includes a pair of proximally-protruding hooks 11252 that are configured for attachment to the attachment pin 11037 (FIG. 36) that is attached to the second closure link 11038 as will be discussed in further detail below. In at least one example, the closure member assembly 13000 comprises a proximal closure member segment or proximal closure tube segment 13010 that has a proximal end 13012 that is coupled to the closure shuttle 11250 for relative rotation thereto. For example, a U shaped connector 11263 is inserted into an annular slot 13014 in the proximal end 13012 of the proximal closure member segment 13010 and is retained within vertical slots 11253 in the closure shuttle 11250. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure tube segment 13010 to the closure shuttle 11250 for axial travel therewith while enabling the proximal closure tube segment 13010 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 11250 about the shaft axis SA. A closure spring 11268 is journaled on the proximal closure tube segment 13010 and serves to bias the proximal closure tube segment 13010 in the proximal direction “PD” which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 11032 into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly is operably coupled to the handle 11014.

The interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 also includes an articulation joint 13020. As can be seen in FIG. 38, for example, a distal closure member or distal closure tube segment 13030 is coupled to the distal end of the proximal closure member or proximal closure tube segment 3010. The articulation joint 13020 includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly 13022. According to various forms, the double pivot closure sleeve assembly 13022 includes an end effector closure tube 13050 having upper and lower distally projecting tangs 13052, 13054. An upper double pivot link 13056 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively an upper distal pin hole in the upper proximally projecting tang 13052 and an upper proximal pin hole in an upper distally projecting tang 13032 on the distal closure tube segment 13030. A lower double pivot link 13058 includes upwardly projecting distal and proximal pivot pins that engage respectively a lower distal pin hole in the lower proximally projecting tang 13054 and a lower proximal pin hole in the lower distally projecting tang 13034. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure member or closure tube assembly 13000 is translated distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil 12000, for example, in response to the actuation of the closure trigger 11032. The anvil 12000 is opened by proximally translating the closure tube assembly 13000 which causes the end effector closure sleeve to interact with the anvil 12000 and pivot it to an open position.

As was also indicated above, the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 further includes a firing drive assembly 11900 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 11210. The firing drive assembly 11900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 11222 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 11910. The intermediate firing shaft portion 11222 may include a longitudinal slot 11223 in the distal end thereof which can be configured to receive a tab 11912 on the proximal end of the distal knife bar 11910. The longitudinal slot 11223 and the proximal end tab 11912 can be sized and configured to permit relative movement therebetween and can comprise a slip joint 11914. The slip joint 11914 can permit the intermediate firing shaft portion 11222 of the firing drive to be moved to articulate the end effector 11300 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 11910. Once the end effector 11300 has been suitably oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 11222 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 11223 comes into contact with the tab 11912 in order to advance the knife bar 11910 and fire the staple cartridge 14000 positioned within the channel 11310. The knife bar 11910 includes a knife portion 11920 that includes a blade or tissue cutting edge 11922 and includes an upper anvil engagement tab 11924 and lower channel engagement tabs 11926. Various firing member configurations and operations are disclosed in various other references incorporated herein by reference.

As can be seen in FIG. 37, the shaft assembly 1200 further includes a switch drum 11500 that is rotatably received on the proximal closure tube segment 13010. The switch drum 11500 comprises a hollow shaft segment 11502 that has a shaft boss formed thereon for receive an outwardly protruding actuation pin therein. In various circumstances, the actuation pin extends through a longitudinal slot provided in the lock sleeve to facilitate axial movement of the lock sleeve when it is engaged with the articulation driver. A rotary torsion spring 11420 is configured to engage the boss on the switch drum 11500 and a portion of the nozzle housing 11203 to apply a biasing force to the switch drum 11500. The switch drum 11500 can further comprise at least partially circumferential openings defined therein which can be configured to receive circumferential mounts extending from the nozzle halves 11202, 11203 and permit relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch drum 11500 and the proximal nozzle 11201. The mounts also extend through openings 13011 in the proximal closure tube segment 13010 to be seated in recesses in the spine shaft 11210. Rotation of the switch drum 11500 about the shaft axis SA will ultimately result in the rotation of the actuation pin and the lock sleeve between its engaged and disengaged positions. In one arrangement, the rotation of the switch drum 11500 may be linked to the axial advancement of the closure tube or closure member. Thus, in essence, actuation of the closure system may operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,913,642, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference herein. For example, when the closure tube is in its proximal-most position corresponding to a “jaws open” position, the closure tube 13010 will have positioned the switch drum 11500 so as to link the articulation system with the firing drive system. When, the closure tube has been moved to its distal-most position corresponding to a “jaws closed” position, the closure tube has rotated the switch drum 1500 to a position wherein the articulation system is delinked from the firing drive system.

As also illustrated in FIG. 37, the shaft assembly 11200 can comprise a slip ring assembly 11600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 11300 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 11300, for example. The slip ring assembly 11600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 11604 that is mounted to a chassis flange 11242 that extends from the chassis 11240 and a distal connector flange that is positioned within a slot defined in the shaft housings. The proximal connector flange 11604 can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange can comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 11604 about the shaft axis SA. The proximal connector flange 11604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined in the first face thereof. A connector can be mounted on the proximal side of the connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 11604 and the distal connector flange while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange 11604 can include an electrical connector 11606 which can place the conductors in signal communication with a shaft circuit board 11610 mounted to the shaft chassis 11240, for example. In at least one instance, a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector 11606 and the shaft circuit board 1610. The electrical connector 11606 may extend proximally through a connector opening 11243 defined in the chassis mounting flange 11242. See FIG. 38. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 11600 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 11200 includes a proximal portion which is fixably mounted to the handle 11014 and a distal portion which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 11600, as discussed above. The distal connector flange of the slip ring assembly 11600 can be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. Moreover, further to the above, the switch drum 11500 can also be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion. When the rotatable distal shaft portion is rotated, the distal connector flange and the switch drum 11500 can be rotated synchronously with one another. In addition, the switch drum 11500 can be rotated between a first position and a second position relative to the distal connector flange. When the switch drum 11500 is in its first position, the articulation drive system may be operably disengaged from the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may not articulate the end effector 11300 of the shaft assembly 11200. When the switch drum 11500 is in its second position, the articulation drive system may be operably engaged with the firing drive system and, thus, the operation of the firing drive system may articulate the end effector 11300 of the shaft assembly 1200. When the switch drum 11500 is moved between its first position and its second position, the switch drum 11500 is moved relative to distal connector flange. In various instances, the shaft assembly 11200 can comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch drum 11500.

Referring again to FIG. 37, the chassis 11240 includes at least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 11244 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 11702 formed within a distal attachment flange portion 11700 of the frame 11020. See FIG. 36. Each dovetail slot 11702 may be tapered or, stated another way, be somewhat V-shaped to seatingly receive the attachment portions 11244 therein. As can be further seen in FIGS. 37 and 38, a shaft attachment lug 11226 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 11222. When the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 is coupled to the handle 11014, the shaft attachment lug 1226 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle 11126 formed in the distal end 11125 of the longitudinal drive member 11120. See FIG. 36.

Various shaft assembly embodiments employ a latch system 11710 for removably coupling the shaft assembly 11200 to the housing 11012 and more specifically to the frame 11020. As can be seen in FIG. 37, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 11710 includes a lock member or lock yoke 11712 that is movably coupled to the chassis 11240. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 11712 has a U-shape with two spaced downwardly extending legs 11714. The legs 11714 each have a pivot lug 11715 formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes 11245 formed in the chassis 11240. Such arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 11712 to the chassis 11240. The lock yoke 11712 may include two proximally protruding lock lugs 11716 that are configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 11704 in the distal attachment flange 11700 of the frame 11020. See FIG. 36. In various forms, the lock yoke 11712 is biased in the proximal direction by spring or biasing member (not shown). Actuation of the lock yoke 11712 may be accomplished by a latch button 11722 that is slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 11720 that is mounted to the chassis 11240. The latch button 11722 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 11712. The lock yoke 11712 may be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button the in distal direction which also causes the lock yoke 11712 to pivot out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange 11700 of the frame 11020. When the lock yoke 11712 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal attachment flange 11700 of the frame 11020, the lock lugs 11716 are retainingly seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 11704 in the distal attachment flange 11700.

When employing an interchangeable shaft assembly that includes an end effector of the type described herein that is adapted to cut and fasten tissue, as well as other types of end effectors, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing during actuation of the end effector. For example, in use the clinician may actuate the closure trigger 11032 to grasp and manipulate the target tissue into a desired position. Once the target tissue is positioned within the end effector 11300 in a desired orientation, the clinician may then fully actuate the closure trigger 11032 to close the anvil 12000 and clamp the target tissue in position for cutting and stapling. In that instance, the first drive system 11030 has been fully actuated. After the target tissue has been clamped in the end effector 11300, it may be desirable to prevent the inadvertent detachment of the shaft assembly 11200 from the housing 11012. One form of the latch system 11710 is configured to prevent such inadvertent detachment.

As can be most particularly seen in FIG. 37, the lock yoke 11712 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 11718 that are adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 11 that are formed on the closure shuttle 11250. When the closure shuttle 11250 is in an unactuated position (i.e., the first drive system 11030 is unactuated and the anvil 12000 is open), the lock yoke 11712 may be pivoted in a distal direction to unlock the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 from the housing 11012. When in that position, the lock hooks 11718 do not contact the lock lug portions 11256 on the closure shuttle 11250. However, when the closure shuttle 11250 is moved to an actuated position (i.e., the first drive system 11030 is actuated and the anvil 11306 is in the closed position), the lock yoke 11712 is prevented from being pivoted to an unlocked position. Stated another way, if the clinician were to attempt to pivot the lock yoke 11712 to an unlocked position or, for example, the lock yoke 11712 was in advertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 11718 on the lock yoke 11712 will contact the lock lugs 11256 on the closure shuttle 11250 and prevent movement of the lock yoke 11712 to an unlocked position.

Attachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 to the handle 11014 will now be described. To commence the coupling process, the clinician may position the chassis 11240 of the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 above or adjacent to the distal attachment flange 11700 of the frame 11020 such that the tapered attachment portions 11244 formed on the chassis 11240 are aligned with the dovetail slots 11702 in the frame 11020. The clinician may then move the shaft assembly 11200 along an installation axis that is perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to seat the attachment portions 11244 in “operable engagement” with the corresponding dovetail receiving slots 11702. In doing so, the shaft attachment lug 11226 on the intermediate firing shaft 11222 will also be seated in the cradle 11126 in the longitudinally movable drive member 11120 and the portions of pin 11037 on the second closure link 1038 will be seated in the corresponding hooks 11252 in the closure yoke 11250. As used herein, the term “operable engagement” in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other so that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components may carry out their intended action, function and/or procedure.

At least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200 can be operably coupled with at least five corresponding systems of the handle 11014. A first system can comprise a frame system which couples and/or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly 11200 with the frame 11020 of the handle 11014. Another system can comprise a closure drive system 11030 which can operably connect the closure trigger 11032 of the handle 11014 and the closure tube assembly 13000 and the anvil 12000 of the shaft assembly 11200. As outlined above, the closure tube attachment yoke 1250 of the shaft assembly 11200 can be engaged with the pin 11037 on the second closure link 11038. Another system can comprise the firing drive system 11080 which can operably connect the firing trigger 11130 of the handle 1014 with the intermediate firing shaft 11222 of the shaft assembly 11200. As outlined above, the shaft attachment lug 11226 can be operably connected with the cradle 11126 of the longitudinal drive member 11120. Another system can comprise an electrical system which can signal to a controller in the handle 11014, such as microcontroller, for example, that a shaft assembly, such as shaft assembly 11200, for example, has been operably engaged with the handle 11014 and/or, two, conduct power and/or communication signals between the shaft assembly 11200 and the handle 11014. For instance, the shaft assembly 11200 can include an electrical connector 11810 that is operably mounted to the shaft circuit board 11610. The electrical connector 11810 is configured for mating engagement with a corresponding electrical connector 11800 on the handle control board 11100. Further details regaining the circuitry and control systems may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, the entire disclosures of each which were previously incorporated by reference herein. The fifth system may consist of the latching system for releasably locking the shaft assembly 11200 to the handle 11014.

When using an end effector 11300 of the type and construction described herein, a clinician manipulates the first and second jaws (the anvil 12000 and the elongated channel 11310 that has a surgical staple cartridge operably mounted therein), to capture the tissue to be cut and stapled (the “target tissue”) therebetween. As can be seen in FIG. 38, for example, a surgical staple cartridge 14000 comprises a cartridge body 14010 that is configured to be removably supported within the elongated channel 11310. The cartridge body 14010 includes an elongated cartridge slot 14016 that extends from a proximal end 14012 through the cartridge body 14010 to a distal end portion 14014 to enable the knife member or firing member 11920 to pass therethrough. The cartridge body 14010 further defines a cartridge deck surface 14020 on each side of the elongated slot 14016. A plurality of staple cavities 14022 are provided in the cartridge body 14010 on each side of the elongated slot 14016. Each cavity 14022 opens through the deck surface 14020 to removably support a surgical staple or staples therein. In at least one cartridge arrangement, three lines of staple cavities 14022 are provided on each side of the elongated slot 14016. The lines are formed such that the staples in a center line are staggered relative to the staples in the two adjacent outer lines. The staples are supported on staple drivers that are movably supported within each staple cavity. In at least some arrangements, the staple drivers are arranged to be contacted or “fired” upward when contacted by a cam member or camming portions associated with the knife member 11920, for example. In some arrangements, a wedge sled or camming sled is movably supported in the cartridge body and is adapted to be axially displaced through the cartridge body as the knife member 11920 is axially deployed through the cartridge from the proximal end portion 14012 to the distal end portion 14014 of the cartridge body 14010. The wedge sled includes a camming member or wedge associated with each line of staple cavities so as to serially deploy the staple drivers supported therein. As the cam contacts a staple driver, the driver is driven upwardly within the staple cavity driving the staple or staples supported thereon out of the staple cavity through the clamped tissue and into forming contact with the staple-forming surface of the anvil. The wedge sled or camming member is located distal to the knife or tissue cutting edge of the knife or firing member 11920, so that the tissue is stapled prior to be severed by the tissue cutting edge.

Referring again to FIG. 38, the anvil 12000 in the illustrated example includes an anvil body 12002 that terminates in anvil mounting portion 12010. The anvil mounting portion 12010 is movably or pivotably supported on the elongated channel 11310 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto about a fixed anvil pivot axis PA that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. In the illustrated arrangement, a pivot member or anvil trunnion 12012 extends laterally out of each lateral side of the anvil mounting portion 12010 to be received in a corresponding trunnion cradle 11316 formed in the upstanding walls 11315 of the proximal end portion 11312 of the elongated channel 11310. The anvil trunnions 12012 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion cradle 11316 by the channel cap or anvil retainer 11290. The channel cap or anvil retainer 11290 includes a pair of attachment lugs that are configured to be retainingly received within corresponding lug grooves or notches formed in the upstanding walls 11315 of the proximal end portion 11312 of the elongated channel 11310.

In at least one arrangement, the distal closure member or end effector closure tube 13050 employs two axially offset, proximal and distal positive jaw opening features 13060 and 13062. The positive jaw opening features 13060, 13062 are configured to interact with corresponding relieved areas and stepped portions formed on the anvil mounting portion 12010 as described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, filed Jun. 28, 2017, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER, the entire disclosure which has been herein incorporated by reference. Other jaw opening arrangements may be employed.

FIG. 39 illustrates a portion of a shaft assembly 15200 that is similar to the previous shaft assembly 11200 except for the differences discussed below. The details concerning the construction and operation of like components in both shaft assemblies will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. As will be discussed below, the shaft assembly may be used in connection with a housing that is similar to the previous housing 11012. In the illustrated arrangement, the shaft assembly 15200 includes a distal spine shaft segment 15210 that is configured to be pivotally coupled to a surgical end effector at an articulation joint to enable the surgical end effector to be articulated about an articulation axis relative to the distal end of the distal spine shaft segment 15210 by an articulation system 15100. In one form, the articulation system 15100 includes proximal articulation driver 15102 that is pivotally coupled to an articulation link in the manner described above. Axial movement of proximal articulation driver 15102 applies articulation motions to the surgical end effector to cause the surgical end effector to articulate about the articulation axis relative to the spine assembly 15210.

Shaft assembly 15200 also includes a closure system or closure member assembly 17000 which can be utilized to close and/or open the jaws of the surgical end effector in the manner described above. The closure member assembly 17000 includes a proximal closure member segment or proximal closure tube segment 17010 that is attached to a distal closure member. The distal closure member forms a double pivot closure sleeve assembly with an end effector closure tube to facilitate articulation of the surgical end effector as was discussed above with respect to shaft assembly 11200. Shaft assembly 15200 also includes a firing drive assembly 11900 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 15210. The firing drive assembly 11900 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 that is configured for attachment to a distal cutting portion or knife bar as was discussed above.

Turning to FIG. 40, the chassis portion of the shaft assembly 15200, as well as the closure shuttle arrangement, have been omitted for clarity. The proximal closure tube segment 17010 is supported in the closure shuttle in any of the various manner disclosed herein for axial travel therewith. As was discussed above, the closure shuttle is axially movable within the chassis by means of actuation of the closure trigger or (other form of closure actuator). A proximal end portion 17012 of the proximal closure tube segment 17010 is coupled to the closure shuttle for relative rotation thereto. Axial movement of the closure shuttle results in axial movement of the closure member assembly 17000 to apply closing and opening motions to the jaws of the surgical end effector. As described above, a shaft attachment lug 11904 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 11902. When the shaft assembly 15200 is coupled to the housing of the surgical instrument, the shaft attachment lug 11902 is received in a firing shaft attachment cradle formed in a distal end of a motor driven longitudinal drive member in the manner described above.

The shaft assembly 15200 employs an a drive clutch assembly 16000 for selectively coupling the articulation system 15100 to the firing drive assembly 11900 such that the articulation system 15100 is actuatable by the firing drive assembly 11900 when the jaws of the end effector are open. When the jaws of the end effector are closed, the articulation system 15100 is locked in place out of engagement with the firing drive assembly such that the firing drive assembly 11900 can be actuated without actuating the articulation system 15100. In the illustrated arrangement, a proximal end 15104 of the proximal articulation driver 15102 is coupled to a clutch link 16010 that is journaled on the intermediate firing shaft 11902. Stated another way, the intermediate firing shaft 11902 extends through a central shaft hole 16011 that extends through the clutch link 16010. The clutch link 16010 is supported within a proximal spine shaft insert 16030 that is supported proximal to the distal spine shaft segment 15210.

In the illustrated arrangement, the spine shaft insert 16030 includes an axial link slot 16034 for axially supporting the clutch link 16010 therein. The intermediate firing shaft 11902 extends through a central shaft hole 16032 in the spine shaft insert 16030 and through the central hole 16011 in the clutch link 16010 as shown in FIG. 43. The axial link slot 16034 includes a lower axial slot 16036 (FIGS. 43 and 47) that is configured to slidably accommodate a lower support tab 16014 on the clutch link 16010. Such arrangement permits the clutch link 16010 to move axially within the axial link slot 16034, but is prevented from rotating therein.

As can be seen in FIGS. 43 and 44, a hook 15106 is formed on the proximal end 15104 of the proximal articulation driver 15102 and configured to be received in hook cavity 16013 in the clutch link 16010. The clutch link 16010 is configured to be engaged with or coupled to the intermediate firing shaft 11902 by a lock bar or lock member 16020 that is slidably mounted in a slot 16012 in the clutch link 16010 for selectively radial travel therein. The lock member 10620 is radially movable within the slot 16012 between an engaged position (FIG. 49) wherein said lock member 16020 is received within and a radial lock notch 11906 in the intermediate firing shaft 11902.

The drive clutch assembly 16000 also includes a radially expandable clutch plate assembly 16050. As can be seen in FIGS. 45 and 46, in at least one arrangement, the clutch plate assembly 16050 extends partially around the proximal closure tube segment 17010. The clutch plate assembly 16050 may resemble a clamshell that includes a first clamp segment 16052 and a second clamp segment 16054 that are coupled together or interconnected by a living hinge 16056 that permits relative movement of the clamp segments 16052, 16054 radially inward and outward. The clutch plate assembly 16035 is loosely retained on the proximal closure tube segment 17010 by a pair of C-clips 16066 that facilitate a small amount of radial expansion of the clutch plate assembly 16030 while retaining the clutch plate assembly on the proximal closure tube segment 17010.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock member 16020 extends through an axial slot 17014 in the proximal closure tube segment 17010 (FIGS. 43, 49, 53) and an axial slot 16058 formed in the second clamp segment 16054 (FIGS. 43 and 45). The axial slot 16058 defines two inwardly extending ledges 16060 that are engageable by two laterally extending fins 16022 formed on the lock member 16020. The ledges 16060 are slidably received between the fins 16022 and the clutch link 16010. Such arrangement enables the clutch link 16010 and the lock member 16020 to move axially (arrow AT in FIG. 45) relative to the second clamp segment 16054. Such arrangement also couples the lock member 16020 to the second clamp segment 16054 such that the lock member 16020 will radially travel with the second clamp segment 16054. The ledges 16060 are recessed in the second clamp segment 16054 to define a lock cavity 16062. A lock cap 16070 is received in the lock cavity 16062. The lock cap 16050 includes an axial slot 16052 through which the lock member 16020 extends. See FIGS. 45 and 46.

Turning now to FIGS. 39-42, the shaft assembly 15200 includes a nozzle assembly 15201 that is similar to nozzle 11201 and comprises nozzle portions 15202 and 15203. In addition, a proximal nozzle segment 15204 is attached to the nozzle assembly 15201 to facilitate rotation of the nozzle assembly 15201 about the shaft axis SA relative to the chassis in the various manners described herein. As can be seen in FIG. 40, the nozzle assembly 15201 includes a series of radial lock grooves 15206 that are configured to be lockingly engaged with a series of lock fins 16024 formed in the top end of the lock member 16020.

Turning next to FIGS. 47 and 48, in the illustrated example, the proximal spine shaft insert 16030 is also formed with an articulation lock assembly 16040. In one form, the articulation lock assembly 16040 comprises a clamp arrangement with a lock clamp portion 16042 movably attached to the proximal spine shaft insert 16030 by a living hinge 16044. The lock clamp portion 16042 includes a clamping tab 16046 that is arranged in confronting arrangement with a clamp surface 16038 formed in the proximal spine shaft insert 16030. As can be seen in FIG. 48, the proximal articulation driver 15102 is slidably received between the clamping tab 16046 and the clamp surface 16038. In addition, a clamp actuator tab 17016 is crimped into the proximal closure tube segment 17010 such that the clamp actuator tab 17016 is in engagement with the clamping tab 16046.

As indicated above, in the illustrated example, the drive clutch assembly 16000 is configured to couple the articulation system 15100 to the firing drive assembly 11900 such that the articulation system 15100 is actuatable by the firing drive assembly 11900 when the jaws of the end effector are open. When the jaws of the end effector are closed, the articulation system 15100 is locked in place out of engagement with the firing drive assembly such that the firing drive assembly 11900 can be actuated without actuating the articulation system 15100. To accomplish such automatic actuation of the drive clutch assembly 16000, an axially movable actuator member 16080 is attached to the proximal end portion 17012 of the proximal closure tube segment 17010. In at least one arrangement, for example, t the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 comprises an actuator ring 16082 that is fixedly attached to the proximal end portion 17012 of the proximal closure tube segment 17010. In one example, the actuator ring 16082 is crimped onto the proximal closure tube segment 17010 by crimps 16084. However, other methods of attaching the actuator member 16080 to the proximal closure tube segment 17010 may be employed.

Operation of the drive clutch assembly 16000 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 49-54. FIGS. 49 and 50 illustrate the drive clutch 16000 in an engaged orientation. When in that position, the proximal closure tube segment 17010 is in its proximal-most position which corresponds to the jaw open position. When in that position, the closure system has not been actuated. For example, in applications wherein the shaft assembly 15200 has been attached to a hand-held housing, the closure trigger has not been depressed. As can be seen in FIG. 49, the actuator 16080 is proximal to the radially expandable clutch plate assembly 16050. As can be further seen in FIG. 49, the clutch plate assembly 16050 is clamped onto the proximal closure tube segment 17010 in its first clamped position by the clamp rings 16066. When in that position, the lock member 16020 is in locking engagement with the radial lock notch 11906 in the intermediate firing shaft 11902. Thus, the lock member 16020 and the clutch link 16010 are locked to the intermediate firing shaft 11902. Because the proximal articulation driver 15102 is hooked to the clutch link 16010, it, too, is linked to the intermediate firing shaft 11902. Thus, the clinician is now able to articulate the surgical end effector attached to the shaft assembly 15200 by actuating the firing drive assembly 11900 to axially move the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902. Because the proximal articulation driver 15102 is coupled to the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902, axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 also causes the proximal articulation driver 15102 to move axially and articulate the surgical end effector. If the clinician causes the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 to be driven in the distal direction DD, the surgical end effector will be articulated in a right direction about the articulation axis. See FIG. 51. If the clinician drives the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 to move in the proximal direction PD, the surgical end effector will be articulated in a left direction about the articulation axis. See FIG. 52. In either case, the articulation takes place with the jaws of the end effector in an open position.

Once the clinician has articulated the surgical end effector in the desired position, the firing drive system 11900 is deactivated. The clinician may then activate the closure system to close the jaws of the articulated end effector onto the target tissue. As indicated above, when the shaft assembly 15200 is attached to a hand-held housing, the clinician may actuate the closure system by depressing the closure trigger. Actuation of the closure system causes the proximal closure tube segment 17010 to move axially in the distal direction. Movement of the proximal closure tube segment 17010 distally also causes a cam surface 16086 formed on a distal end of the actuator member 16080 to slide under the radially expandable clutch plate assembly 16050 driving it radially outward (arrows RD in FIG. 54). Radial movement of the second clamp segment 16054 causes the lock member 16020 to disengage the radial lock notch 11906 in the intermediate firing shaft 11902 as well as the locking fins 16024 formed thereon to lockingly engage radial lock grooves 15206 in the nozzle assembly 15201. See FIGS. 53 and 54. When in that position, the articulation system, namely the proximal articulation driver 15102, is no longer linked to the firing drive system. The clinician may actuate the closure drive system until the jaws of the surgical end effector are in a closed position. The distal movement of the proximal closure tube segment 17010 also brings the clamp actuator tab 17016 into engagement with the clamping tab 16046 of the articulation lock assembly 16040 to thereby clamp the proximal articulation driver 15102 in position and to prevent any axial movement thereof. Thus, when the jaws are in the closed position, the articulation drive system is decoupled from the firing drive system and the articulation drive system is locked in position. The clinician can then operate the firing drive system to drive the intermediate firing shaft portion 11902 and the firing bar attached thereto distally to complete the firing of the surgical end effector. When the clinician retracts the proximal closure tube segment 17010 proximally back into the starting or unactuated position, the clamp rings 16066 will cause the clutch plate assembly 16050 to return to the clamped engaged position thereby again linking the articulation system to the firing drive system and unlocking the articulation lock assembly 16040 to permit the proximal articulation driver 15102 to once again move axially.

FIGS. 55-57 illustrate portions of another interchangeable shaft assembly 18200 that is similar to interchangeable shaft assembly 11200, except for the differences discussed below. In the interchangeable shaft assembly 11200, the articulation system is linked to the firing drive system until the closure system is actuated. Actuation of the closure system causes the articulation system to be delinked from the firing drive system so that the firing drive system may then be actuated without actuation of the articulation system. In the interchangeable shaft assembly 18200, the articulation system is independently actuatable from the closure system. Thus, in the interchangeable shaft assembly 18200, the surgical end effector is articulatable while the jaws thereof are fully open, partially open or fully closed. Such articulation capabilities are not available with previous interchangeable shaft assembly 11200.

Turning first to FIGS. 56 and 57, the shaft assembly 18200 employs a shift drum assembly 18500 that is journaled on a proximal end portion of a proximal closure tube segment 20010. The axial shifting of the proximal closure tube segment 20010 is controlled in the manner described above with respect to the proximal closure tube segment 13010. The proximal closure tube segment 20010 can axially move without moving the shift drum assembly 18500. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the shaft assembly 18200 can include a clutch assembly 18400 which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple a proximal articulation driver 19102 to an intermediate firing member 18222. In one form, the clutch assembly 18400 includes a lock collar, or sleeve 18402, positioned around the intermediate firing member 18222 wherein the lock sleeve 18402 can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 18402 couples the proximal articulation driver 19102 to the intermediate firing member 18222 and a disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 19102 is not operably coupled to the intermediate firing member 18222. When lock sleeve 18402 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the intermediate firing member 18222 can move the proximal articulation driver 19102 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the intermediate firing member 18222 can move the proximal articulation driver 19102. When lock sleeve 18402 is in its disengaged position, movement of the intermediate firing member 18222 is not transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 19102 and, as a result, the intermediate firing member 18222 can move independently of the proximal articulation driver 19102. In various circumstances, the articulation driver 19102 can be held in position by an articulation lock of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, the entire disclosure of which has been herein incorporated by reference.

Referring primarily to FIG. 57, the lock sleeve 18402 can comprise a cylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal aperture 18403 defined therein configured to receive the intermediate firing member 18222. The lock sleeve 18402 can comprise diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 18404 and an outwardly-facing lock member 18406. The lock protrusions 18404 can be configured to be selectively engaged with the intermediate firing member 18222. More particularly, when the lock sleeve 18402 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 18404 are positioned within a drive notch 18228 defined in the intermediate firing member 18222 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the intermediate firing member 18222 to the lock sleeve 18402. When the lock sleeve 18402 is in its engaged position, the second lock member 18406 is received within a drive notch 19104 defined in the proximal articulation driver 19102 such that the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force applied to the lock sleeve 18402 can be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 19102. In effect, the intermediate firing member 18222, the lock sleeve 18402, and the proximal articulation driver 19102 will move together when the lock sleeve 18402 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 18402 is in its disengaged position, the lock protrusions 18404 may not be positioned within the drive notch 18228 of the intermediate firing member 18222 and, as a result, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the intermediate firing member 18222 to the lock sleeve 18402. Correspondingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 19102. In such circumstances, the intermediate firing member 18222 can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve 18402 and the proximal articulation driver 19102. The intermediate firing member 18222 may be axially advanced in the various manners described herein. Axial advancement of the proximal articulation driver 19102 in the distal direction will cause the surgical end effector to articulate to the left and axial retraction of the proximal articulation driver in the proximal direction will cause the surgical end effector to articulate to the right in the various manners described herein.

As can be seen in FIG. 57, the shift drum assembly 18500 comprises a tubular or cylindrical body 18502 that is received on a proximal portion of the proximal closure tube segment 20010. The shift drum assembly 18500 further includes a proximal flange 18504 that is arranged in confronting arrangement with a chassis flange 18242 that extends from a chassis 18240. The chassis 18240 also operably supports a nozzle assembly 18201 in the various manners described herein. In the illustrated example, a cam slot 18506 is provided in the shift drum body 18502 and is configured to receive therein a shifter pin 18422 on a shifter key 18420 that is configured to be received within a slot 18410 in the lock sleeve 18402. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the shifter key 18420 extends through a clutch slot 21012 in a spine shaft 21010. Spine shaft 21010 may otherwise be similar to spine shaft 1210 described above. The shifter pin 18422 extends through pin slot 12014 in the spine shaft 21010 and through a shifter window 20011 in the proximal closure tube segment 20010. As will be further described below, axial movement of the shift drum 18500 will result in the rotational travel of the lock sleeve 18402 so as to bring the lock sleeve 18402 into driving engagement with the intermediate firing member 18222 and the proximal articulation driver 19102 as described above.

In the illustrated example, axial movement of the shift drum 18502 may be controlled by at least one solenoid assembly 18600. As can be seen in FIG. 57, the illustrated example employs two solenoid assemblies 18600. In at least one example, each solenoid assembly 18600 includes an axially movable solenoid actuator 18602 that is movably supported by the chassis flange 18242. The solenoid assemblies 18600 are coupled to the circuit control board on the housing two which the shaft assembly 18200 is attached in the various manners described herein as well as in the various references incorporated herein by reference. When the solenoids 18600 are actuated, the actuators 18602 contact the proximal flange 18504 of the switch drum assembly 18500 to move the switch drum assembly in the distal direction DD. Return springs 18700 located in the nozzle assembly (not shown) serve to bias the switch drum in the proximal direction PD. See FIG. 65.

One method of operating the shaft assembly 18200 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 58 and 59 which set forth in chart form, the various steps or actions for operating the shaft assembly 18200. As can be seen in FIG. 58, for example, in step 1, the control system in the housing is in the “active” state for enabling articulation of the surgical end effector coupled to the shaft assembly 18200. As was discussed above, the housing to which the shaft assembly 18200 is operably coupled includes a control circuit or system and may include a display screen that is onboard or located remote from the housing to display certain operational parameters and indicators to the user. When the articulation system is in the active state indicated at step 1, the closure system is in its unactuated or fully retracted state which corresponds to the jaws of the surgical end effector being in their fully open position. The solenoids are unactuated with the actuators thereof in their retracted position. See FIG. 60. As can be seen in FIG. 60, the shifter pin 18422 is in a distal-most portion 18508 of the cam slot 18506. When in this position, the user may, if desired, actuate the articulation system to articulate the end effector as the shifter pin 18422 has rotated the lock sleeve 18402 in a counterclockwise CCW direction (user's perspective) to thereby cause the second lock member 18406 on the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate into engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102. When in that position, the lock sleeve 18402 is in engagement with the intermediate firing member 18222.

Still referring to FIG. 58, at step 2, the user has moved the proximal closure tube segment 20010 partially forward by actuating the closure system in the various manner described herein. See FIG. 61. The user may have partially or fully closed the jaws at this stage, but the system still facilitates articulation of the surgical end effector if desired. At step 3, the user has closed the end effector jaws. At this stage, the instrument could be fired if desired. In one arrangement, for example, the display screen for the instrument may display an instruction indicating that to “prepare for firing”, the firing drive system may be initially actuated. In an arrangement that includes a firing trigger, for example, the display screen may instruct the user to “pull” or otherwise actuate the firing trigger. This initial actuation of the firing drive system may energize the solenoids 18600 to cause the solenoid actuators 18602 to move the shift drum assembly 18500 in the distal direction DD. The control system algorithm may provide for a pre-determined delay period (e.g., 15 second, etc.) and display a message “wait for fifteen seconds”, etc. after actuating the firing drive system.

As the shift drum assembly moves 18500 in the distal direction, the shifter pin 18422 enters the camming portion 18510 of the camming slot 18506 in the shift drum assembly 18500. As the shifter pin 18422 enters the camming portion 18510 of the camming slot 18506, the shift drum assembly causes the shifter pin 18422 and the shifter key 18420 to rotate the lock sleeve 18402 in a clockwise CW direction (user's perspective). As the lock sleeve 18402 rotates in the clockwise position, the second lock member 18406 rotates out of engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102 to disengage the articulation system from the firing drive system. See FIG. 62. At step 4, the user may then actuate the firing drive system to advance the intermediate firing member 18222 and drive the firing member (“knife”) through the surgical end effector in the various manners described herein.

At step 5, the firing member or knife has been fully returned back to its starting position and the user has actuated the closure system to open the end effector jaws. See FIG. 63. Turning next to FIG. 59, at step 6, the algorithm for the surgical instrument control system may then cause the solenoids 18600 to be retracted after the system detected that the jaws have been opened. This may be accomplished with sensors detecting the position of the closure tube and/or jaws on the surgical end effector. As the solenoids 18600 are de-energized, the actuators 18602 are retracted. See FIG. 65. In step 7, the return springs 18700 bias the shift drum assembly 18500 in the proximal direction PD into a ‘riding mode”. When in the riding mode, the shifter pin 18422 has not completely cammed up the cam portion 18510 of the cam slot 18506 such that the inwardly-facing lock protrusions 18404 on the lock sleeve 18402 have not rotated into engagement with drive notch 18228 in the intermediate firing member 18222. At this stage, the control system may initiate an articulation capture algorithm which enables the shift drum assembly 18500 to rotate back to the starting position depicted in FIG. 66. When in that position, the articulation system has once again been operably coupled to firing drive system and the jaws of the surgical end effector are in the open position. The user may then actuate the articulation system in the above described manner to articulate the surgical end effector while the jaws thereof are open. In at least one arrangement, the shift drum assembly 18500 may have a thicker wall and/or be made of harder material than the shift drum assemblies employed in previous shaft assemblies such as the previous interchangeable shaft assembly 11200. The return springs may also bias the shift drum assembly 18500 back into the articulation mode when the solenoids are de-actuated. A current articulation engagement switch may be employed and which may comprise a magnet/linear Hall Effect sensor may be replaced by a simple contact switch, inductive coil or other option for detecting the proximity of the shift drum flange 18504 moving with respect to the sensor.

FIG. 67 illustrates portions of another interchangeable shaft assembly 21200 that is attached to a housing 21012 that comprises a handle 21014 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician as was described above. The interchangeable shaft assembly 21200 has a surgical end effector operably attached thereto and includes a chassis 21240 that is configured to be operably attached to the housing 21012. See FIGS. 68 and 69. The surgical end effector may be similar to the surgical end effector 11300 described above. The chassis 21240 operably supports a nozzle assembly 21201 that is similar to the nozzle assembly described above, except for the differences discussed below. In at least one arrangement, the nozzle assembly 21201 includes a proximal portion or fin assembly 21203 and a distal position 2107. In FIGS. 68 and 69, only the fin assembly 21203 is shown. The distal nozzle portion is omitted for clarity. It will be understood, however, that the distal nozzle portion 2107 may be configured to operably interface with the spine assembly (not shown) to enable the nozzle assembly 21201 to be employed to rotate the shaft assembly about the shaft axis SA in the various manners described herein.

Turning to FIGS. 68 and 69, the fin assembly 21203 of the nozzle assembly 21330 is operably linked to a shift drum assembly 21500 by two link arms 21205 that are pinned or otherwise attached to a proximal flange 21504 of the shift drum assembly 21500. The shift drum assembly 21500 is otherwise similar to shift drum assembly 18500 described above. In particular, the shift drum assembly 21500 includes a body portion 21502 that has a cam slot 21506 therein that is configured to receive therein the shifter pin 18422 on the shifter key 18420 in the manner described above. The user may actuate the shift drum assembly 21500 by pulling back on the fin assembly 21203 of the nozzle assembly 21201. See FIG. 67.

FIG. 68 illustrates the position of the shift drum assembly 21500 when the articulation system is in the active state. The closure system may be in its unactuated or fully retracted state which corresponds to the jaws of the surgical end effector being in their fully open position. The closure system could also be actuated to partially close or close the jaws as described above. As can be seen in FIG. 68, the shifter pin 18422 is in a proximal-most portion 21512 of the cam slot 21506. When in this position, the user may, if desired, actuate the articulation system to articulate the end effector as the shifter pin 18422 has rotated the lock sleeve 18402 in a counterclockwise CCW direction (user's perspective) to thereby cause the second lock member 18406 on the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate into engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102. When in that position, the lock sleeve 18402 is in engagement with the intermediate firing member 18222 as was described above. See FIG. 57. In addition, the fin assembly 21203 of the nozzle assembly 21201 is in its distal-most position. The articulation system may then be activated by activating the firing drive system to advance the intermediate firing member 18222 distally.

As described above, once the user has articulated the end effector to a desired position and the jaws have been fully closed, the articulation system may be disengaged from the firing system by pulling the fin assembly 21203 in the proximal direction PD. See FIG. 67. As can be seen in FIG. 69, pulling the fin assembly 21203 in the proximal direction pulls the shift drum assembly 21500 proximally. As the shift drum assembly 21500 moves proximally the shifter pin 18242 enters the camming portion 21510 of the cam slot 21506 and causes the shifter pin 18422 and the shifter key 18420 to rotate the lock sleeve 18402 in a clockwise CW direction (user's perspective). As the lock sleeve rotates in the clockwise direction, the second lock member 18406 rotates out of engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102 to disengage the articulation system from the firing drive system. The shift drum assembly 21500, as well as the fin assembly 21203, are in their proximal-most positions.

As can be seen in FIG. 69, when the shift drum assembly 21500 is in its proximal-most position, the flange 21504 of the shift drum assembly 21500 is adjacent to the chassis flange 21242. In the illustrated example, one or more magnets 21600 is mounted in the chassis flange 21242 to retain the shift drum assembly 21500 in that proximal-most position which corresponds to the position in which the articulation system has been disengaged from the firing drive system. Also in at least one arrangement, a sensor or sensors 21602 are mounted in the chassis flange 21242 which are configured to detect the presence of the shift drum flange 21504 when in that proximal position. The sensor 21602 is in electrical communication with an onboard circuit control board 21604 that is in communication with a control board associated with the housing. In an alternative arrangement, a simple contact switch or inductive coil could be used to sense the presence of the metallic shift drum assembly 21500, for example. As was discussed above, the housing to which the shaft assembly 21200 is operably coupled may include a display screen that is onboard or located remote from the housing to display certain operational parameters and indicators to the user. When the sensor detects the presence of the shift drum assembly flange 21504, the display may display “Articulation System Inactive”, for example. Alternative arrangements may employ a biasing spring or springs or magnets in the nozzle assembly to toggle the shift drum assembly 21500 into the shifted and un-shifted positions. Such arrangements facilitate articulation of the surgical end effector while the jaws thereof are fully open, partially opened or fully closed. This arrangement may also be adapted for use with dedicated shaft assemblies that are non-removably attached to the housing.

FIGS. 70-74 illustrate various components of another shaft assembly 22200 that may be attached to a housing of the type described above or it may comprise a shaft assembly that is dedicated to a housing arrangement and not designed to be interchangeable. In either case, the shaft assembly 22200 has a surgical end effector operably attached thereto and includes a chassis 22240 that is configured to be operably attached to the housing. The surgical end effector may be similar to the surgical end effector 11300 described above and be attached thereto for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis SA. The chassis 22240 operably supports a nozzle assembly 22201 that is similar to the nozzle assembly 11201 described above. As can be seen in FIG. 70, the nozzle assembly 22201 includes a proximal portion 22205 and a fin assembly 22203. The proximal nozzle portion 22205 is configured to operably interface with a spine shaft 23010 (FIG. 71) to enable the nozzle assembly 22201 to be employed to rotate the shaft assembly about the shaft axis SA in the various manners described herein. The spine shaft 23010 is similar to the spine shaft 21010 described above and depicted in FIG. 57, except for the differences discussed below. The intermediate firing shaft 18222 is slidably supported in the spine shaft 23010. Operation of the firing shaft 18222 was discussed above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

The shaft assembly 22200 employs a shift drum assembly 22500 that is somewhat similar to shift drum assembly 18500, except that the shift drum assembly 22500 may be shifted by actuating the closure system. In one arrangement, the shift drum assembly 22500 includes a body portion 22502 that has a cam slot 22506 therein that is configured to receive therein the shifter pin 18422 on the shifter key 18420 in the manner described above. The shift drum assembly 22500 includes a pair of diametrically opposed drum shifter pins 22520 that are attached thereto by, for example, threads, welds, press-fits, adhesive, etc. The drum shifter pins 22520 are configured to extend through corresponding closure slots 22020 in a proximal closure tube segment 22010. FIGS. 72-74 illustrate one form of a proximal closure tube segment 22010. Proximal closure tube segment 22010 is attached to the closure system in the various manners disclosed herein to selectively axially advance the proximal closure tube segment 22010 to apply closure motions to a jaw or jaws of the surgical end effector.

As can be seen in FIGS. 72-74, the proximal closure tube segment 22010 also includes a shifter window 22011 that is configured to permit the shifter pin 18422 to extend therethrough in the manner described above. In addition, the proximal closure tube segment 22010 includes diametrically opposed lug windows 22013, 22015 configured to permit lugs (not shown) on the nozzle assembly 22201 to extend therethrough to engage flats (not shown) on the spine shaft 23010. The lugs serve to couple the nozzle assembly 22201 to the spine shaft 23010 such that rotation of the nozzle assembly 22201 about the shaft axis SA causes the spine shaft 23010 as well as the surgical end effector coupled thereto to also rotate about the shaft axis SA. FIG. 70 illustrates the position of the proximal closure tube segment 22010 relative to the shift drum assembly 22500 when the proximal closure tube segment 22010 is in the proximal-most position which corresponds to an unactuated position. When in that position, the closure system has not been actuated and the jaws of the surgical end effector are in the open position. The return springs 18700 serve to bias the shift drum assembly 22500 proximally into that position. When in that position, the shifter pin 18422 is in a distal-most portion 22508 of the cam slot 22506. When in this position, the user may, if desired, actuate the articulation system to articulate the end effector as the shifter pin 18422 has rotated the lock sleeve 18402 in a counterclockwise CCW direction (user's perspective) to thereby cause the second lock member 18406 on the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate into engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102. See FIG. 57. When in that position, the lock sleeve 18402 is in engagement with the intermediate firing member 18222. The user may then activate the firing drive system to distally advance the intermediate firing member 18222 to actuate the articulation system.

When the user activates the closure system to move the proximal closure tube segment 22010 in the distal direction DD to apply closing motions to the end effector, the proximal closure tube segment moves the drum shifter pins 22520 in the distal direction DD which also causes the shift drum assembly 22500 to move distally. As the shift drum 22500 moves distally, the shifter pin 18422 enters the camming portion 22510 of the camming slot 22506, the shift drum assembly 22500 causes the shifter pin 18422 and the shifter key 18420 to rotate the lock sleeve 18402 in a clockwise CW direction (user's perspective). When the proximal closure tube segment 22010 has been advanced distally to the fully closed position, the shift drum assembly 22500 has caused the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate to a position wherein the second lock member 18406 has rotated out of engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102 to disengage the articulation system from the firing drive system. The user may then actuate the firing drive system to fire the firing member. Once the firing process is completed and the firing member has been retracted to its starting position within the surgical end effector or adjacent to the surgical end effector, the user may active the closure system to retract the proximal closure tube segment 22010 in the proximal direction PD. In at least one arrangement, the closure slots 22020 are sufficiently sized to permit the proximal closure tube segment 22010 to be actuated back and forth in a “ride” mode when the user is opening and closing the end effector jaws to avoid re-engaging the articulation system with the firing system. See FIG. 74.

As can be seen in FIG. 70, in at least one arrangement, a sensor or sensors 22602 are mounted in the chassis flange 22242 which are configured to detect the presence of the shift drum flange 22504 when in the proximal position. The sensor 21602 is in electrical communication with an onboard circuit control board 22604 that is in communication with a control board associated with the housing. This arrangement may also be adapted for use with dedicated shaft assemblies that are non-removably attached to the housing.

FIGS. 75-78 illustrate various components of another shaft assembly 24200 that may be attached to a housing of the type described above or it may comprise a shaft assembly that is dedicated to a housing arrangement and not designed to be interchangeable. In either case, the shaft assembly 24200 has a surgical end effector operably attached thereto and includes a chassis 24240 that is configured to be operably attached to the housing. The surgical end effector may be similar to the surgical end effector 11300 described above and be attached thereto for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis SA. The chassis 24240 operably supports a nozzle assembly 24201 that is similar to the nozzle assembly 11201 described above. As can be seen in FIG. 75, the nozzle assembly 24201 includes a distal portion 24205 and a fin assembly 24203. The distal nozzle portion 23205 is configured to operably interface with a spine shaft 25010 (FIG. 77) to enable the nozzle assembly 24201 to be employed to rotate the shaft assembly about the shaft axis SA in the various manners described herein. The spine shaft 25010 is similar to the spine shaft 21010 described above and depicted in FIG. 57, except for the differences discussed below. The intermediate firing shaft 18222 is slidably supported in the spine shaft 25010. Operation of the firing shaft 18222 was discussed above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

The shaft assembly 24200 employs a shift drum assembly 24500 that is somewhat similar to shift drum assembly 18500, except that the shift drum assembly 24500 may be shifted by actuating the closure system. In one arrangement, the shift drum assembly 24500 includes a body portion 24502 that has a cam slot 24506 therein that is configured to receive therein the shifter pin 18422 on the shifter key 18420 in the manner described above. The shaft assembly 24200 includes a proximal closure tube segment 24010. Proximal closure tube segment 24010 is attached to the closure system in the various manners disclosed herein to selectively axially advance the proximal closure tube segment 24010 to apply closure motions to a jaw or jaws of the surgical end effector.

FIG. 76 illustrates a portion of an exemplary proximal closure tube segment 24010 that includes a shifter window 24011 that is configured to permit the shifter pin 18422 to extend therethrough in the manner described above. In addition, the proximal closure tube segment 24010 includes diametrically opposed lug windows 24013, 24015 that are configured to permit lugs (not shown) on the nozzle assembly 24201 to extend therethrough to engage flats (not shown) on the spine shaft 25010. The lugs serve to couple the nozzle assembly 24201 to the spine shaft 25010 such that rotation of the nozzle assembly 24201 about the shaft axis SA causes the spine shaft 25010 as well as the surgical end effector coupled thereto to also rotate about the shaft axis SA. The proximal closure tube segment 24010 also includes at least one and preferably two, diametrically-opposed laterally extending shifter tabs 24017. In the illustrated embodiment, the shifter tabs 24017 are cut into the proximal closure tube wall and bent laterally outwardly such that they are transverse to the shaft axis SA. In alternative arrangements, however, the shifter tabs may be attached to the proximal closure tube segment by welding, adhesive, frictional/press fits, etc. The shifter tabs 24017 are configured to engage the shift drum flange 24504 when the proximal closure tube segment 24010 is advanced distally in the distal direction DD in the above-described manners.

As can be seen in FIG. 75, the proximal closure tube segment 24010 has been advanced distally to a position wherein the shifter tabs 24017 have contacted the shift drum flange 24504. The shift drum assembly 24500 has been biased into that position by the return springs 18700. When in that position, the shifter pin 18422 is in a distal-most portion 24508 of the cam slot 24506. When in this position, the user may, if desired, actuate the articulation system to articulate the end effector as the shifter pin 18422 has rotated the lock sleeve 18402 in a counterclockwise CCW direction (user's perspective) to thereby cause the second lock member 18406 on the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate into engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102. See FIG. 57. When in that position, the lock sleeve 18402 is in engagement with the intermediate firing member 18222.

When the user activates the closure system to move the proximal closure tube segment 24010 in the distal direction DD to apply closing motions to the end effector, the shifter tabs 24017 on the proximal closure tube segment 24010 contact the shift drum flange 24504 and move the shift drum assembly 24500 distally. As the shift drum assembly 24500 moves distally, the shifter pin 18422 enters the camming portion 24510 of the camming slot 24506 which causes the shifter pin 18422 and the shifter key 18420 to rotate the lock sleeve 18402 in a clockwise CW direction (user's perspective). When the proximal closure tube segment 24010 has been advanced distally to the fully closed position, the shift drum assembly 24500 has caused the lock sleeve 18402 to rotate to a position wherein the second lock member 18406 has rotated out of engagement with the drive notch 19104 in the proximal articulation driver 19102 to disengage the articulation system from the firing drive system. The user may then actuate the firing drive system to fire the firing member. Once the firing process is completed and the firing member has been retracted to its starting position within the surgical end effector or adjacent to the surgical end effector, the user may active the closure system to retract the proximal closure tube segment 24010 in the proximal direction PD. In at least one arrangement, an axial gap 24019 is provided between the shift drum flange 24504 and the shifter tabs 24017 when the shift drum assembly 24500 is still in a position wherein the shifter pin 18422 is still within the camming portion 2410 of the cam slot 24506 such that the articulation system has not re-engaged the firing system. Such arrangement enables the proximal closure tube segment 24010 to be actuated back and forth in a “ride” mode when the user is opening and closing the end effector jaws to avoid re-engaging the articulation system with the firing system. See FIG. 78.

As can be seen in FIG. 75, in at least one arrangement, a sensor or sensors 24602 are mounted in the chassis flange 24242 which are configured to detect the presence of the shift drum flange 24504 when in the proximal position. The sensor 24602 is in electrical communication with an onboard circuit control board 24604 that is in communication with a control board associated with the housing. This arrangement may also be adapted for use with dedicated shaft assemblies that are non-removably attached to the housing.

FIG. 79 illustrates another interchangeable shaft assembly 26200 that is attached to a housing 11012 of the type described above. The interchangeable shaft assembly 26200 includes an onboard articulation motor 2140 that is mounted within the nozzle assembly 26201 for rotational travel therewith in an orbit about the shaft axis SA when the user rotates the nozzle assembly 26201 relative to the housing 11012. The construction of the articulation motor 2410 and gear arrangements were discussed above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. The shaft assembly 26200 may otherwise be similar to the shaft assembly 1000 described above and include an articulation joint and articulation system as described above to facilitate the selective articulation of the surgical end effector 1500 operably coupled thereto.

FIGS. 79-83 illustrate a flexible circuit assembly 27000 that may be employed in the shaft assembly 26200 to transmit electrical signals ultimately between the end effector 1500 and the processor in the housing 11012 or otherwise associated with the housing to which the shaft assembly 26200 is operably attached. As illustrated in FIG. 79, the shaft assembly 26200 can comprise a slip ring assembly 27600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 1500 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 1500, for example. The slip ring assembly 27600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 27604 that is mounted to a chassis flange 26242 that extends from the chassis 26240. The slip ring assembly 27600 further includes a distal connector flange (not shown) that is positioned within a slot defined in the nozzle assembly 26201 or is otherwise mounted therein. The proximal connector flange 27604 can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange can comprise a second face which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face. The distal connector flange can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 27604 about a shaft axis SA with the nozzle assembly 26201 as was described above. The proximal connector flange 27604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors defined in the first face thereof. In the illustrated example, four conductors 27620, 27630, 27640 and 27650 are provided on the first face of the proximal connector flange 27604. A connector 27700 is mounted on the proximal side of the distal connector flange and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors 27620, 27630, 27640, 27650. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the distal connector flange and the proximal connector flange 27604 while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange 27604 includes an electrical connector 27606 which can place the conductors 27620, 27630, 27640, 27650 in signal communication with a shaft circuit board (not shown) mounted to the shaft chassis 26240, for example. Further details regarding slip ring assemblies may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481 are each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

In the illustrated example, the shaft assembly 26200 employs a flexible wiring harness assembly 27000 that comprises a plurality of conductors in flexible substrates that extend between the electrical connector 27606 and corresponding sensors mounted distal in the shaft assembly and/or in the surgical end effector 1500 itself. FIG. 80 illustrates one form of a flexible wiring harness assembly 27000 that may be employed. The flexible wiring harness assembly 27000 includes flexible substrate portions 27010 and 27050 that are shaped as shown in FIG. 80. The proximal flexible substrate portion 27010 includes motor conductors 27012 and 27014 that are connected between the articulation motor 2140 and the connector 27700. In the illustrated example, the distal flexible substrate portion 27050 supports four conductors/circuit paths 27060, 27070, 27080, 27090. For example, first circuit path 27060 includes a first proximal conductor portion 27062 that may be coupled to a first signal processor chip 27100 on the substrate portion 27050. The first proximal conductor portion 27062 may also be connected to the articulation motor 2140. The first circuit path 27060 may further include a first distal conductor portion 27064 that is connected to the first signal processor chip 27100 as well as to a corresponding first sensor or component (not shown) that is associated with the surgical end effector and/or articulation joint arrangement. The second circuit path 27070 may be connected to the articulation motor 2140 and to a second sensor or component (not shown) that is associated with the surgical end effector and/or articulation joint arrangement. The third circuit path 27080 may be connected to the electrical connector 27700 and to a third sensor or component (not shown) that is associated with the surgical end effector and/or articulation joint arrangement. The fourth circuit path 27090 includes a fourth proximal conductor portion 27092 that may be coupled to a second signal processor chip 27200 on the substrate portion 27050 as well as to the electrical connector 27700. The fourth circuit path 27090 may further include a fourth distal conductor portion 27094 that is connected to the second signal processor chip 27200 as well as to a corresponding fourth sensor (not shown) associated with the surgical end effector and/or articulation joint arrangement.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal substrate portion 27050 includes a bifurcated portion 27052 that includes a right substrate portion 27054 that supports conductors 27064, 27074 thereon and a left substrate portion 27056 that supports conductors 27084, 27094 therein. The right substrate portion 27054 and the left substrate portion 27056 may be separated by a central space 27058. Referring to FIGS. 80-82, in the illustrated example, the distal substrate portion 27050 may have a cross-sectional thickness h_(a) and the conductors 27064, 27070, 27080, 27094 may each have a conductor width W_(a) as shown in FIG. 81. The portion of the distal substrate 27050 that is proximal to the bifurcated portion 27052 has a similar cross-sectional thickness h_(a) and the conductors the conductors 27064, 27070, 27080, 27094 on that substrate portion may also have the conductor width W_(a). Similarly, the portion of the distal substrate 2750 that is proximal to the first and second processor chips 27100, 27200 has a similar cross-sectional thickness h_(a) and the conductors the conductors 27062, 27070, 27080, 27092 on that substrate portion may also have the conductor width W_(a). As can be seen in FIG. 82, right substrate portion 27054 and the left substrate portion 27056 of the bifurcated portion 27052 may each have a cross-sectional thickness h_(b) and the conductors 27064, 27070, 27080, 27094 may each have a conductor width W_(b) across the length of those substrate portions. In the illustrated example, h_(a)>h_(b) and W_(a)<W_(b). Such arrangement provides the bifurcated portion 27052 with more flexibility and enables that portion 27052 to be folded in the location of the articulation joint, for example.

Turning to FIG. 83, a connector portion 27800 of the flexible wiring harness assembly 27800 that includes the signal processor chips 27100, 27200 may include a rigid mounting block 27802 upon which the chips 27100, 27200 are supported. The mounting block 27802 may be fabricated from rigid, electrical insulative material such as rigid silicone or plastic and have a thickness B_(T) that is greater than the thicknesses h_(a) described above. The mounting block 27802 may be retained within a mounting cavity 1211 provided in the spine shaft 1210. In addition, a portion 27900 of the distal substrate portion 2750 that is distal to the connector portion 27800 may have an offset formed therein to provide strain relief to the flexible wiring harness assembly 27000. The illustrated example also includes a vertically stepped portion 27910 that enables the wiring harness to extend around a mechanical component in the shaft assembly (e.g., articulation rod, link connection, etc.).

In at least one example, the substrate portions 27010, 27050 may comprise a flexible silicone material or a flexible plastic material. The various conductors 27012, 27014, 27062, 27064, 27070, 27080, 27092, 27094 may be molded into the substrate material such that the conductors are completely encapsulated therein as shown in FIGS. 81 and 82. Such arrangement serves to insulate the conductors from body fluid, debris, etc. which might otherwise short the circuits. However, in other arrangements, the circuits may be plated onto the substrate material. The flexible wiring harness assembly 27000 may be employed in connection with other shaft assemblies disclosed herein.

FIGS. 84-91 illustrate various components of another shaft assembly 28200 that may be attached to a housing of the type described above or it may comprise a shaft assembly that is dedicated to a housing arrangement and not designed to be interchangeable. In either case, the shaft assembly 28200 has a surgical end effector operably attached thereto and includes a chassis 28240 that is configured to be operably attached to the housing. The surgical end effector may be similar to the surgical end effector 11300 described above and be attached thereto for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis SA. The chassis 24240 operably supports a nozzle assembly 28201 that is similar to the nozzle assembly 11201 described above. As can be seen in FIGS. 83-85, the nozzle assembly 28201 includes a distal nozzle portion 28205 and a fin assembly 28203. The distal nozzle portion 28205 is configured to operably interface with a spine shaft 29010 (FIG. 86) to enable the nozzle assembly 28201 to be employed to rotate a distal portion 28207 of the shaft assembly 28200 about the shaft axis SA in the various manners described herein.

Turning next to FIG. 86, the shaft assembly 28200 employs a shift drum assembly 28500 that is journaled on a proximal end portion of a proximal closure tube segment 30010. The axial shifting of the proximal closure tube segment 30010 may be controlled in the manner described above with respect to the proximal closure tube segment 13010. As can be seen in FIG. 86, a proximal end 30012 of the proximal closure tube segment 30010 is configured to be received within a closure shuttle 11250. The proximal end 30012 is rotatably affixed to the closure shuttle 11250 by a U-shaped connector 11263 that is received in a groove 300014 in the proximal closure tube segment 300010 and seated in grooves 11253 in the closure shuttle 11250 as was described above. The closure shuttle 11250 is configured to be linked with the closure system in the housing when the shaft assembly 28200 is attached thereto. Operation of the closure system to axially advance and retract the closure shuttle within the chassis 28240 was described above and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

As can be seen in FIG. 86 the shaft assembly 28200 can include a clutch assembly 28400 which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple a proximal articulation driver 29102 to an intermediate firing member 28222. In one form, the clutch assembly 28400 includes a lock collar, or sleeve 28402, positioned around the intermediate firing member 28222. The lock sleeve 28402 can comprise a cylindrical, or an at least substantially cylindrical, body including a longitudinal aperture 28403 defined therein configured to receive the intermediate firing member 28222. The lock sleeve 28402 can comprise diametrically-opposed, inwardly-facing lock protrusions 28404 and an outwardly-facing lock tab 28406. The lock protrusions 28404 can be configured to be selectively engaged with the intermediate firing member 28222. More particularly, when the lock sleeve 28402 is in its engaged position, the lock protrusions 28404 are positioned within an axial drive notch 28228 defined in the intermediate firing member 28222 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the intermediate firing member 28222 to the lock sleeve 28402.

The lock sleeve 28402 is attached to or received within a proximal mounting portion 29104 in the proximal articulation driver 29102. When the lock sleeve 28402 is in its engaged position with the intermediate firing member 28222, a distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force applied to the lock sleeve 28402 can be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 29102. In effect, the intermediate firing member 28222, the lock sleeve 28402, and the proximal articulation driver 29102 will move together when the lock sleeve 28402 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 28402 is in its disengaged position, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the intermediate firing member 28222 to the lock sleeve 28402. Correspondingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 29102. In such circumstances, the intermediate firing member 28222 can be slid proximally and/or distally relative to the lock sleeve 28402 and the proximal articulation driver 29102. The intermediate firing member 28222 may be axially advanced in the various manners described herein. In at least one arrangement, for example, axial advancement of the proximal articulation driver 29102 in the distal direction will cause the surgical end effector to articulate to the left and axial retraction of the proximal articulation driver in the proximal direction will cause the surgical end effector to articulate to the right in the various manners described herein.

As can be seen in FIG. 86, the shift drum assembly 28500 comprises a tubular or cylindrical body 28502 that is received on a proximal portion of the proximal closure tube segment 30010. The shift drum assembly 28500 further includes a proximal shift drum flange 28504 and a cam pin 28506 protruding therefrom. The lock tab 28406 on the lock sleeve 28402 is received in a slot 28508 in the shift drum body 28502. Such arrangement enables the lock sleeve 28402 to rotate with the shift drum assembly 28500. The body 28502 of the shift drum assembly 28500 is rotatably received within a cam nut 28900 that is non-rotatably mounted within the nozzle assembly 28201. In the illustrated example, a cam slot 28902 is provided in the stationary cam nut 28900 and is configured to receive therein the cam pin 28506 on the shift drum assembly 28500. The clutch assembly 28400 is actuated when the proximal closure tube segment 30010 is axially advanced. In at least one example, a C-clip 28910 is attached to the proximal closure tube segment 30010 such that the C-clip 28910 is proximal to the shift drum flange 28504. Thus, as the proximal closure tube segment 30010 is advanced distally, the C-clip 28910 contacts the shift drum flange 28504 and pushes the shift drum assembly 28500 distally.

FIGS. 84 and 87 illustrate the position of the shift drum assembly 28500 when the closure system is in an unactuated position for example. The proximal closure tube segment 30010 is in its proximal-most position which corresponds to a “jaws open” position in the surgical end effector in the various manners described herein. As can be seen in FIG. 87, the inwardly-facing lock protrusions 28404 are engaged with the intermediate firing member 28222 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force can be transmitted from the intermediate firing member 28222 to the lock sleeve 28402. The shift drum assembly 28500 is biased into its proximal-most position by a shift drum spring 28509 that is received around the shift drum body 28502 and extends between the shift drum flange 28504 and the cam nut 28900. As can be seen in FIG. 84, the cam pin 28506 is located in the proximal-most portion of the cam slot 28902 in the cam nut 28900. FIG. 88 illustrates the proximal-most positions of the lock sleeve 28402 and the proximal articulation driver 29102. FIG. 89 illustrates the distal-most positons of the lock sleeve 28402 and the proximal articulation driver 29102 corresponding to a fully articulated position of the surgical end effector, for example.

FIGS. 85 and 90 illustrate the position of the shift drum assembly 28500 when the closure system is in a fully actuated position, for example. The proximal closure tube segment 30010 is in its distal-most position which corresponds to a “jaws closed” position in the surgical end effector in the various manners described herein. As the proximal closure tube segment 30010 is moved distally, the C-clip 18910 contacts the shift drum flange 28504 and pushes the shift drum assembly 28500 distally against the bias of shift drum spring 28509. As the shift drum assembly 28500 moves distally, the cam pin 28506 moves within the cam slot 28902 in the cam nut 28900 which causes the shift drum assembly 28500 to rotate. As the shift drum assembly 28500 rotates, the lock sleeve 28402 also rotates such that the inwardly-facing lock protrusions 28404 therein disengage the intermediate firing member 28222. See FIG. 90. When in that position, a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force is not transmitted from the intermediate firing member 28222 to the lock sleeve 28402. When lock sleeve 28402 is in its disengaged position, movement of the intermediate firing member 28222 is not transmitted to the proximal articulation driver 29102 and, as a result, the intermediate firing member 28222 can move independently of the proximal articulation driver 29102. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 29102 can be held in position by an articulation lock of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, the entire disclosure of which has been herein incorporated by reference as well as other lock arrangements disclosed herein.

Returning to FIG. 86, in the illustrated example, a proximal end portion 29012 of the spine shaft 29010 may be rotatably supported within the chassis 28240 by a spine bearing assembly 29020. The shaft assembly 28200 may also include a slip ring assembly 29600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector, for example. The slip ring assembly 29600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 29604 that is mounted to a chassis flange 28242 that extends from the chassis 26240. The slip ring assembly 29600 further includes a distal connector flange 29620 that is positioned within a slot defined in the nozzle assembly 28201 or is otherwise mounted therein. The proximal connector flange 29604 can comprise a first face 29605 and the distal connector flange 29620 can comprise a second face 29622 which is positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face 29605. See FIGS. 88 and 89. The distal connector flange 29620 can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 29604 about a shaft axis SA with the nozzle assembly 28201 as was described above. The proximal connector flange 29604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors 29606 defined in the first face 29505 thereof. A connector 29700 is mounted on the second face 29622 of the distal connector flange 29620 and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors 29606. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the distal connector flange 29620 and the proximal connector flange 29604 while maintaining electrical contact therebetween. The proximal connector flange 29604 communicates with an electrical connector 29608 which can place the conductors 29606 in signal communication with a shaft circuit board (not shown) mounted to the shaft chassis 28240, for example. Further details regarding slip ring assemblies may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, for example. The various flexible circuit arrangements disclosed herein may be used to transmit signals from the electrical connector 29608 and sensors/components associated with the surgical end effector and/or articulation joint. In addition, a sensor 29630 may be mounted to the proximal connector flange 29604 and be configured to detect the position of a corresponding sensor lug 28505 formed on the shift drum flange 28504. The sensor 29630 may comprise, for example, a Hall Effect sensor and the sensor lug 28505 may support a magnet 28507. The sensor 29630 is configured to detect the position of the magnet 28507 and communicates that information to the control circuit through the slip ring assembly 29600, for example.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by a manually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   -   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC         DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT         HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which         issued on Feb. 21, 2006;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING         AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which         issued on Sep. 9, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS,         which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN         ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,         which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;     -   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE         IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL         INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No.         7,845,537;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL         CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed         Feb. 14, 2008;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END         EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed         Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,210,411;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,972, entitled MOTORIZED         SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,050,083.     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED         SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY         RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled         MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR         DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat.         No. 8,220,688;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.         8,561,870;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL         STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT         ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled         ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE,         filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;     -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE         CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13,         2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

-   -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled         SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER         LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and     -   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled         SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,         filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby         incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a surgical instrument, said method comprising: providing a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument comprises: a handle; an elongated shaft assembly comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the handle by a nozzle assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated shaft assembly relative to the handle; a surgical end effector operably coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly; a first drive member configured to apply first actuation motions to the surgical end effector; a second drive member configured to apply second actuation motions to the surgical end effector; a third drive member configured to apply third actuation motions to the surgical end effector; a linking assembly comprising a movable retainer member that operably interfaces with the third drive member and is radially movable between a first position wherein the movable retainer member links the second drive member to the first drive member and a second position wherein the movable retainer member de-links the second drive member from the first drive member and the movable retainer member releasably engages a portion of the nozzle assembly; and a firing drive system configured to apply first control motions to the first drive member, and wherein said method further comprises: positioning the movable retainer member in the first position to link the second drive member to the first drive member such that the second drive member moves with the first drive member; actuating the firing drive system to apply a first amount of the first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply the second actuation motions to the surgical end effector; de-actuating the firing drive system; actuating another drive system to cause the third drive member to move the movable retainer member into the second position to de-link the second drive member from the first drive member and radially engage the nozzle assembly and to actuate a locking system located at the proximal end of the elongated shaft assembly to lock the second drive member in place while permitting the first drive member to move relative to the second drive member; and re-actuating the firing drive system to apply another amount of the first control motions to the first drive member to apply the first actuation motions to the surgical end effector.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical end effector further comprises: a first jaw; and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are movably supported relative to each other such that the first jaw and the second jaw are positionable between an open position and a closed position upon application of the third actuation motions thereto by the third drive member.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the surgical end effector is operably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly for selective articulation relative thereto, and wherein said actuating the firing drive system to apply the first amount of the first control motions to the first drive member causes the second drive member to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the elongated shaft assembly.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the surgical end effector further comprises a firing member configured to axially move through the surgical end effector, wherein the firing member is operably coupled to the first drive member, and wherein said re-actuating the firing drive system to apply the another amount of the first control motions to the first drive member causes the first member to axially move through the surgical end effector.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the first jaw comprises a surgical staple cartridge, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil, wherein the surgical end effector further comprises a firing member configured to axially move through the surgical end effector and drive surgical staples stored in the surgical staple cartridge into forming contact with the anvil, wherein the firing member is operably coupled to the first drive member, and wherein said re-actuating the firing drive system to apply the another amount of the first control motions to the first drive member causes the first member to axially move through the surgical end effector and drive the surgical staples into forming contact with the anvil.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the firing drive system comprises a drive motor, wherein said actuating the firing drive system to apply the first amount of the first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply the second actuation motions to the surgical end effector comprises actuating the drive motor, and wherein said re-actuating the firing drive system to apply the another amount of the first control motions to the first drive member to apply the first actuation motions to the surgical end effector comprises re-actuating the drive motor.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a manually actuatable closure trigger operably linked to the third drive member to apply closure control motions to the third drive member to cause the third drive member to apply the third actuation motions to at least the second jaw to position the first jaw and the second jaw in the closed position.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the locking system comprises a clamp that operably interfaces with the second drive member and wherein said actuating another drive system to cause the third drive member to move the movable retainer member into the second position to de-link the second drive member from the first drive member causes the clamp to clamp onto the second drive member to lock the second drive member in place.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said actuating the firing drive system to apply the first amount of the first control motions to the first drive member comprises applying a first amount of axial force to the first drive member.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said re-actuating the firing drive system to apply the another amount of the first control motions to the first drive member comprises applying a second amount of axial force to the first drive member.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the locking system comprises a clamp attached to the third drive member for travel therewith.
 12. A method for operating a surgical instrument, said method comprising: providing a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument comprises: a housing operably supporting a first drive system and a second drive system; an elongated shaft assembly comprising a proximal end, a distal end and an elongate shaft axis, wherein the elongated shaft assembly is selectively rotatable about the elongate shaft axis relative to the housing by a mounting member operably interfacing with the housing; a surgical end effector operably coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft assembly; a first drive member configured to apply first actuation motions to the surgical end effector; a second drive member configured to apply second actuation motions to the surgical end effector; and a third drive member configured to apply third actuation motions to the surgical end effector; and a linking assembly operably interfacing with the third drive member and comprising a movable retainer member that is radially movable between a first position wherein the movable retainer member links the second drive member to the first drive member and a second position wherein the movable retainer member de-links the second drive member from the first drive member and releasably engages the mounting member to retain the movable retainer member in the second position, and wherein said method further comprises: positioning the third drive member to cause the movable retainer member to move into the first position to link the second drive member to the first drive member; actuating the first drive system to apply a first amount of first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply the second actuation motions to the surgical end effector; de-actuating the first drive system; and actuating the second drive system to apply second control motions to the third drive member to cause the third drive member to radially move the movable retainer member into the second position to de-link the second drive member from the first drive member and radially engage the mounting member.
 13. A method for operating a surgical instrument, said method comprising: providing a surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument comprises: a housing; an elongated shaft assembly mounted to the housing by a nozzle assembly configured to facilitate rotational travel of the elongated shaft assembly relative to the housing; a first drive member; a second drive member; a third drive member; a linking assembly operably interfacing with the third drive member and configured to radially move between a first position wherein the second drive member is linked to the first drive member and a second position wherein the second drive member is de-linked from the first drive member and radially engaged with the nozzle assembly; an end effector coupled to said elongated shaft assembly for rotational travel therewith, wherein the end effector is selectively articulatable relative to the elongated shaft assembly by the second drive member, wherein the end effector comprises: a first jaw and a second jaw that is operably movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position by the third drive member; and a firing member axially movable between a starting position and an ending position by the first drive member, and wherein said method further comprises: moving the linking assembly to the first position; actuating the first drive member to cause the second drive member to articulate the end effector; de-actuating the first drive member; and moving the linking assembly to the second position.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said moving the linking assembly to the first position comprises actuating the third drive member to move the second jaw to the open position.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein said moving the linking assembly to the second position comprises actuating the third drive member to move the second jaw to the closed position. 